Jan. 15, 2023

Garland Announces New Health Director

Mandy Pippen will join the City of Garland as Health Director on Monday, Jan. 23.  

Pippen began her career with the City in 2004 as an Environmental Health Specialist in the Health Department.

Over the following 18 years, she was promoted to Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Field Supervisor and Environmental Health Manager. She is excited to serve the department she “grew up in” as its new Health Director.

Learn more.

City Holiday Hours and Services: Monday, Jan. 16

All City of Garland offices, utility customer service and tax offices, recreation centers and senior centers, and libraries will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The recycling center, transfer station and Hinton Landfill will also be closed. Firewheel Golf Park Old and Lakes Courses will remain open.

There will be no disruption in trash or recycling collection. Find your pickup schedule at My Garland. Have carts and materials out and ready for pickup by 7 a.m. to ensure timely service.

Sip, Shop and See at Thirsty Third Thursday

Celebrate Thirsty Third Thursdays in Downtown Garland from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. Visit participating locations during their extended business hours and enjoy a complimentary beverage while you shop.

Check in at the Visit Garland office, 211 N. Fifth St., to pick up your wristband, tote bag and map, and get started. See VisitGarlandTX.com to learn more.

Garland Symphony Orchestra Friday, Jan. 20

The Garland Symphony Orchestra continues its exciting "Music that Grows on You" season with cellist Iona Batchelder at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

To purchase tickets, call 972-205-2790, visit GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or buy your tickets in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office.

Lunar New Year Celebration at the Library

Families with children of all ages can celebrate Lunar New Year from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive.

Families may drop and complete crafts, such as red envelopes with candy gold coins, peach and apricot blossom lanterns, and New Year’s cards.

The event is free. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Call 972-205-2585 to register.

Be Prepared with An Emergency Plan and Kit

Make sure your family is prepared for emergencies by making a plan and preparing an emergency kit. Visit GarlandTX.gov for help in making your emergency plan and for suggestions on what to include in your emergency kit. 

Other helpful emergency preparedness resources are ready.gov and knowhat2do.com. 

Be Prepared to Report Power Outages

Texas weather can be unpredictable and may cause power outages and other issues. As a GP&L customer, you can report power outages by calling 972-205-3000 or texting OUT to 972-205-4000. If you report by text, reply STATUS to the confirmation message to check the status of the outage.

To find out more, including how to associate a cellphone with your account, visit gpltexas.org.

City Council Meetings

Jan. 17

Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, the Garland City Council Regular Meeting and Work Session will be combined Tuesday, Jan. 17, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. Work Session will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Jan. 21

The Garland City Council will host a special Work Session to discuss the proposed 2023 Capital Improvements Program at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.

Boards & Commissions Meetings

All upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov.

In-person meetings have resumed, but you can continue to watch the meetings online.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

First Day to File for a Place on the May 6 Ballot

Jan. 18

Wednesday, Jan. 18, is the first day candidates may file for a place on the May 7 City of Garland General Election for Mayor and City Council Districts 3, 6, 7 and 8. The last day to file is Friday, Feb. 17. Learn more at GarlandTX.gov. 

District 5 Town Hall

Jan. 26

Join District 5 Council Member Margaret Lucht for an informative event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. Topics will include Neighborhood Police Officers and starting a Crime Watch group; Neighborhood Vitality and how to start a Neighborhood Association; and updates from the Street and Transportation departments. For more information, call 469-264-3556 or email Council5@GarlandTX.gov.

Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant Letters of Intent Deadline: Monday, Jan. 23

Neighborhood groups registered with the Office of Neighborhood Vitality may apply for up to $100,000 in matching funds for neighborhood enhancement projects on public property. Additional assistance is available for voluntary neighborhood groups. Letters of Intent are due Monday, Jan. 23. Download program guidelines, forms and more at GarlandNeighborhoods.org.