Irving Earns Bloomberg Philanthropies' What Works Cities Gold Certification
The City of Irving has been awarded Bloomberg Philanthropies' What Works Cities Gold Certification by Results for America, recognizing the city’s exceptional use of data to inform policy, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate programs and engage residents.
The What Works Cities Certification is the international standard for data excellence in city governance. Since the program launched in 2017, more than 100 cities across North, Central and South America have earned the distinction. Irving advanced to the Gold level, awarded to cities meeting 68 to 84% of the program’s rigorous 43 data-governance criteria.
One example of Irving’s commitment to data-driven
Youth/Minor library cards issued before Oct. 15, 2025, and not yet renewed will expire on Feb. 20. Youth cards that are not renewed by Feb. 20 will be ineligible for checking out materials until the account is updated.
innovation is the city’s Innovation Grants Program, which empowers employees to propose and test new ideas to improve operations and service delivery. Since 2016, the city has invested $520,000 in employee-driven initiatives. Projects funded through the program have reduced the budget book production timeline by 30 days and created an in-house storm pipe inspection program that saved more than $200,000 while completing over 50 storm pipe repairs.
To learn more about the What Works Cities Certification, visit WhatWorksCities.Bloomberg.org
Renew Youth Library Cards Before Feb. 20
Only the parent or guardian who registered the youth's account may renew the card.
There are Two Ways to Renew If a parent or guardian has the youth’s library card, their child is not required to be present.
If the child or teen is present, the parent or guardian does not need to have the card.
As a special February bonus, young people whose cards are renewed may choose a prize, either a trading card or a sticker, while supplies last.
Parents and guardians may visit any library location before Feb. 20 to update the young person’s library card and select the appropriate access level. Card options allow families to choose borrowing privileges that best align with their preferences, including age-restricted capability or full borrowing access comparable to adult cards. For details about the different library card options available, visit IrvingTX.gov/Card-Types
The physical library card will remain the same, regardless of which card type is selected in the system. Those who wish to change the card design or who cannot locate the printed card may purchase a replacement for $2. Student cards, which do not allow checkout of physical or digital materials, are not included in this renewal reset.
Items
Families unsure of an account’s status should call (972) 721-2440 to reach their preferred library location before visiting and provide the library card number.
The City of Irving encourages residents to “think blue” when recycling curbside. Thanks to a recent competitive bidding process and reduced production costs, blue recycling and black trash bags are now available at a new low price.
recycling bags and black trash bags are available for $8 per roll of 50 bags, tax included.
Irving’s blue bag recycling program, clean and dry recyclables must be
Explore a local history spotlight on Mary Morton and featured Black History Month events from Irving Arts and Culture.
The North Texas Teen Book Festival is seeking volunteers for Saturday, March 7, at the Irving Convention Center.
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The Irving Black Arts Council (IBAC) continues its tradition of honoring Black History Month through art that educates, inspires and brings the community together. According to IBAC President LaNita Johnson, the annual exhibition has grown into an event of “great significance to Irving and beyond,” offering space for education, reflection and appreciation of Black history, culture and achievements.
This year’s exhibition, "Reflection and Inspiration," runs Saturday, Jan. 31 to Saturday, Feb. 28 at Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., and aligns with the national theme: A Century of Black History
Upcoming Shows
Feb. 7 | 7 p.m. | Dupree Theater Pulpit Pimping stage play presented by Keeping Families Connected
Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Harpist Michelle Campos presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Music from the Heart piano and violin presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 15 | 3:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Symphonic Masterworks presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving
Featuring powerful photographs by
“Spider”
who marched alongside
and the words of civil rights leader John Lewis, the exhibition captures the courage of those demanding equal voting rights. Martin’s images document both peaceful resolve and violent resistance, galvanizing national support for change.
Following three historic attempts to reach the Alabama Statehouse, the exhibition highlights how nonviolent protest, media coverage and collective action led to lasting legislative change. On view through March 22 at Irving Archives and Museum, 801 W. Irving Blvd.
Learn More at
Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall 7 Bridges: Ultimate Eagles Experience hosted by Entertainment Series of Irving Youth & Family
Celebrate culture, community and cuisine while exploring the rich history and traditions of Black culture through food, music and shared experiences.
Feb. 27 | Paints & Pastries
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $10 per person
Unwind with an evening of painting, pastries and creativity in a relaxed and social setting.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
Feb. 13 | Senior Valentine Brunch
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 50+ | $5
A festive Valentine’s Day brunch featuring delicious food and friendly conversation. Registration required by Feb. 8.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
Feb. 2–23 | Make & Mingle
6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 50+ | IPAR Card
A relaxed crafting series offering creative projects, conversation and connection.
Feb. 13 | Tea for Two Tea Party
1 to 3 p.m. | Ages 50+ | $5 | IPAR Card
An elegant afternoon featuring fine teas, sweet treats and a charming atmosphere. Registration required by Feb. 6.
Lee Park Recreation Center
3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508
Feb. 28 | Wonka’s Workshop
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | All Ages | $5 per person
Step into a candy-coated world of whimsy at this Wonka-themed event, featuring sweet treats and golden tickets.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
Feb. 12 | History in the Making
6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 11-17 | IPAR Card
Celebrating Black history, culture and achievements to inspire and empower teens.
Feb. 19 | I.Y.A.C. Meeting
6:30 to 8 p.m. | Ages 11-17 | IPAR Card
Join Irving Youth Action Council and make a difference.
Feb. 21 | Babysitter Training Course
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Ages 12+ | $65 Red Cross-certified course covering childcare, first aid and emergency response.
Feb. 21 | CPR & First Aid Training 1 to 5 p.m. | Ages 12+ | $85 Red Cross-certified CPR, AED and First Aid training. Certification valid for two years.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
Feb. 6 | Father-Daughter Dance
7 to 9 p.m. | Ages 4+ | $15 per couple
$5 per additional daughter
A Wicked-themed evening featuring music, dinner and dancing for dads and daughters. Registration required by Feb. 1.
Feb. 13 | Galentine’s Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $5
A fun daytime celebration of friendship with treats, laughter and good company.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
Feb. 27 | Pottery Painting 6 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Fee Varies Transform raw pottery into personalized works of art.
Library Programs and Activities
Book Lovers, Take Heart
The Friends of the Irving Public Library organization provides shoppers with two opportunities in early February to give their bookshelves a little love.
Friends Warehouse, 3000 Rock Island Road
● Feb. 4 | Friends Members-Only Book Sale | 1 to 3 p.m. Bargains on books, movies, music and more. These sales are held the first Wednesday of every month except January, June and July. Memberships are available at the door.
● Feb. 7 | We Love Books Sale | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Open to the public. Readers will fall head over heels for great titles and stories.
Proceeds benefit the library. For more information, visit FriendsofIrvingLibrary.com
Explore Black History Through Sports Legends
Visit South Irving Library’s Kid Zone through Saturday, Feb. 28 for a Black History
Month Scavenger Hunt!
Kids explore and learn about iconic athletes and sports stars along the way.
Preregister for March SNAP Storytime
The March session of the Sensory Sensitive (SNAP) Storytime series at South Irving Library begins Monday, March 2, and meets weekly at 4 p.m.
The inclusive program is designed for neurodivergent children and their caregivers, including those with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder and shorter attention spans. Space is limited. To register, call (972) 721-2606.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
● Through Feb. 28 | Cozy Reads: Pop Goes Your Heart
All locations | Teens
Page-popping reads melt the heart and pair perfectly with a tasty snack. Visit a library Teen Zone in February and grab a bag of popcorn and recipes for treat toppings while supplies last.
● Through Feb. 28 | Blind Date with a Book
All locations | Adults
Take a chance on a mysteriously wrapped book from a variety of genres in the adult collection. Read it by Saturday, Feb. 14 and turn in the included comment card by Saturday, Feb. 28 for a chance to win a prize.
● Feb. 5 | Sleepy Hollow Society Book Club
6 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults
This book club explores the horror genre and meets every two months. In February, discuss “The Indifferent Stars Above” by Daniel James Brown.
● Feb. 6 | Cafecito y Conversaciones
10 a.m. | South Irving Library | Adults
Join the community for coffee and bilingual Spanish discussions. This program meets monthly.
● Feb. 12 | Love in Pictures
6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Teens
Paint a heart frame to keep or give to a friend.
● Feb. 14 | Middle Grade Book Club
11 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Grades 4-8
Create custom comics and talk about “J vs. K” by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander.
● Feb. 14 | Valentine’s Party
2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
Kids create cards, play games and share hearty laughs at this year’s party.
This life skills series covers a new topic every month. In February, learn how to lead a successful job search by creating resumes and preparing for interviews.
● Feb. 20 | Board Game Time
4 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
Join the library for an afternoon of tabletop games, which will be provided.
● Feb. 28 | Yoga for Kids
11 a.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC HOURS & ACTIVITIES
Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC)
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310
Monday & Friday | 7 a.m. to noon Tuesday & Thursday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 8 p.m.
Children focus, flex and flourish at this yoga session designed just for them. Registration is required by calling (972) 721-2691.
For a full schedule, visit IrvingTX.gov/Library
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PACKETS AVAILABLE FOR 2026 GENERAL ELECTION
Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet for the May 2, 2026, General Election from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Packets also will be available on the city’s website at IrvingTX.gov/ Elections
This year, Council Districts 3 and 5 and the Mayor will be elected in the General Election. Districts 3 and 5 represent “single-member” districts, which require that the candidate live within the boundaries of the district in which they plan to run. The Mayor is an “at-large” position which will allow the candidate to reside anywhere within the city limits of the City of Irving. A candidate must be a resident of the city and their district in which they intend to run for at least 12 months immediately prior to Election Day.
The filing period is Jan. 14 through Feb. 13. The City Secretary’s Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493.
PAQUETES
DE CANDIDATOS AL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL DISPONIBLES PARA LAS ELECCIONES GENERALES DE 2026
Los residentes que estén interesados en convertirse en candidatos para un puesto en el Concejo Municipal pueden recoger un paquete de candidatura para las Elecciones Generales del 2 de mayo de 2026 en la Oficina de La Secretaria Municipal, localizado en 825 W. Irving Blvd. Los paquetes también estarán disponibles en la página web de la ciudad: IrvingTX.gov/Elections
Este año, los representantes de los distritos 3 y 5 del Consejo Municipal, así como el alcalde, serán elegidos en las elecciones generales. Los Distritos 3 y 5 representan Distritos de "un solo miembro", lo cual requieren que el candidato viva dentro de los límites del distrito en el que planea postularse. El Alcalde es un puesto "en general" que permitirá que candidato resida en cualquier lugar dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de Irving. Un candidato debe ser residente de la ciudad y su distrito en el que pretende postularse durante al menos 12 meses inmediatamente antes del Día de las Elecciones.
El período de inscripción es del 14 de enero al 13 de febrero y la Oficina de La Secretaria Municipal está abierta de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. De lunes a viernes. Para obtener más información, llame a la Oficina de La Secretaria Municipal al nύmero (972) 721-2493.
Những Bưu Kiện Thông Tin Có Sẵn Cho Các Ứng Cử Viên Hội Đồng Thành Phố Cho Cuộc Tổng Tuyển Cử Năm 2026
Những cư dân có ngõ ý trở thành ứng cử viên cho một vị trí của Hội Đồng Thành Phố có thể nhận bưu kiện thông tin cho ứng cử viên riêng cho Cuộc Tổng Tuyển Cử Ngày 2 Tháng Năm, Năm 2026 từ văn phòng của Thư Ký Thành Phố tại Tòa Thị Chính, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Các bưu kiện thông tin cũng sẽ có sẵn trên mạng của thành phố tại IrvingTX.gov/Elections
Năm nay, các đại diện của Khu vực Hội đồng 3 và 5 cùng với Thị trưởng sẽ được bầu trong cuộc tổng tuyển cử. Khu vực 3 và 5 sẽ đại diện cho các quận chỉ có “một thành viên”, nên cần yêu cầu ứng cử viên phải cư trú trong ranh giới của khu vực mà họ dự định tranh cử. Chức vụ Thị trưởng là một vị trí được bầu cử rộng rãi, cho phép ứng cử viên cư trú ở bất kỳ đâu trong phạm vi ranh giới thành phố Irving. Ứng cử viên phải là cư dân của thành phố và trong khu vực mà họ dự định tranh cử trong ít nhất là 12 tháng ngay trước Ngày Bầu Cử. Thời gian nộp đơn là từ Ngày 14 Tháng Giêng đến ngày 13 Tháng Hai. Văn Phòng Thư Ký Thành Phố mở cửa từ 8 giờ sáng đến
The City of Irving has been awarded $70 million from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to move forward with major flood mitigation improvements. These upgrades will help protect homes, businesses and roadways in areas that have historically experienced flooding, improving safety and reliability for the community.
The funding includes $51.25 million in zero-interest financing and $18.75 million in grant funding, saving the city an estimated $27 million in interest costs. This allows Irving to complete more work without adding additional local debt.
This investment allows the city to accelerate upgrades to one of Irving’s largest and most outdated drainage channels, Delaware Creek Channel. Improvements will increase the system’s capacity during heavy rain, reduce flood risks and strengthen key infrastructure that residents depend on every day.
Renovations
The Project Includes
● Excavating 10,000 feet of concrete channel lining
● Adding new reinforced bottom lining and concrete walls
● Replacing five concrete box culverts
● Removing one road crossing to improve flow
● Relocating water and sewer lines for long-term system stability
With this second round of funding, Irving has now received $115 million in TWDB-supported flood mitigation assistance, making the city one of the largest recipients of state flood infrastructure funding in Texas.
The city is also preparing its next application — $35.6 million for the North Delaware Creek Phase 2 Project — as part of ongoing efforts to improve drainage and reduce flood risks citywide.
Progress at Northwest Park
Construction is underway at Northwest Park, 2800 Cheyenne St. Improvements include replacing playground equipment and upgrading lighting at Northwest Park and Northwest Park Recreation Center.
Playground Equipment
The existing playground and surrounding hardscape at Northwest Park were installed in 1997, and replacement parts for the nearly 30-year-old playground are no longer available. The playground will be replaced with new play units for 2- to 5-year-olds and 5- to 12-year-olds alongside a new swing set. Other improvements to the playground area include:
● New concrete walkways
● New playground surfacing
● Synthetic turf
● Repainting the metal columns and frame of the existing shade structure
● Replacing the shade fabric of the existing shade structure
City of Irving Receives $70 Million to Improve Flood-Prone Areas Downpayment Assistance Available for First-time Homebuyers
The City of Irving is committed to helping firsttime homebuyers reach their dreams through its Downpayment Assistance Program. Qualified applicants can receive funds that can be used for down payment and closing costs on a home in Irving.
The purpose of the program is to increase home ownership, educate and foster self-sufficiency and stabilize neighborhoods.
An Eligible Applicant Must
● Be approved for a home loan with a City of Irving approved lender
● Not have owned a home within the last three years
● Be at or lower than 80% of the Area Median Income, according to HUD income guidelines
● Complete all application steps
Playground renovations are expected to be completed this summer.
Lighting Upgrades
Lighting improvements at Northwest Park Recreation Center, the parking lots and tennis courts were completed in January. Installation of additional lighting for one mile of the park trail is expected to be finished in April.
The approximately $1.5 million project is made possible through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Park Bond funds. Improvements to Northwest Park follow recommendations outlined in the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.
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Explore all of Irving’s parks and trails at IrvingTX.gov/Parks-Trails
