Dec. 14, 2025

Lilly Clarke Rejoins City as Managing Director of Human Resources

Lilly Clarke will rejoin the City of Garland as the Managing Director of Human Resources on Monday, Dec. 15. She has 23 years of municipal human resources experience, including 22 years of service within the City of Garland’s Human Resources Department. Most recently, she served as the Director of Human Resources for the Town of Sunnyvale, where she oversaw both HR and Risk Management operations.

A Garland native, Clarke has a deep understanding of the community, its values and the organization she is returning to serve. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from East Texas A&M University and maintains three senior-level HR certifications. Learn more.

Good Samaritans of Garland Receives Keys to Former Walnut Creek Branch Library Facility

On Dec. 5, Good Samaritans of Garland (Good Sam) received the key to its new home — the former Walnut Creek Branch Library building at 3319 Edgewood Drive. This transition marks an important milestone in the agreement reached between the City of Garland and Good Sam in 2024 to help both entities better serve the Garland community.  

Demand for Good Sam’s services was growing rapidly, exceeding available space at its current location at 214 N. 12th St. in Downtown Garland. At the same time, the City was constructing the new West Garland Library facility on Walnut Street, which would replace the Walnut Creek Branch Library, expanding library services to residents of west Garland.  

The Garland City Council and the Good Sam’s Board created a partnership agreement in which the City purchased Good Sam’s current property in Downtown Garland and entered into a long-term lease to Good Sam of the former Walnut Creek Branch Library. Learn more.

Where the Heart Is: Quail Creek

By bringing to reality a bright floral concept to cover a 500-foot concrete wall along Miller Road, artist Eliana Davila recently helped lift the spirits of 12,000 motorists a day and the pride of an entire neighborhood. 

But she didn’t do it alone. It’s a community mural, a result of the Office of Neighborhood Vitality’s Where the Heart Is program. With paint and supplies provided, neighbors came to help as did others who answered the call of the Volunteer Garland program. Some whose property backs to Miller Road painted segments (Davila’s design broke the project into 32 segments) below their own backyard fences. Learn more and watch the video.

Christmas on the Square Spreads Season’s Cheer

We had an incredible holiday party at this year's Christmas on the Square, and all of our festive favorites showed up! View the photo gallery and watch the recap video.

But the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there — Garland Square on Ice is open, Downtown Garland is ready for all your shopping needs and there are plenty of magical photo ops waiting for you. 

Share Your Vision of the Future of Garland Libraries

Garland Public Libraries has launched a Strategic Plan Survey to gather community input on the future of library services in Garland. Help us develop a shared plan for where the library is going and how it will get there. Offer your input on collections, meeting spaces and library programs, as well as important logistical needs like accessibility, language options and communication preferences.

The survey will be open through Thursday, Jan. 15. Recognizing the diversity of the Garland community, the survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Thank you for your help in writing the next chapter of Garland Public Libraries! Take the survey now.

Open Books, Open Minds Nonfiction Book Club Tuesday, Dec. 16

This adult book club explores nonfiction across different topics. Meetings include thoughtful discussions and light refreshments. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, to discuss "The Demon of Unrest” by Erik Larson.

Upcoming selections and meetings are:

• 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20: "Everything Is Tuberculosis" by John Green
• 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17: "Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom" by Ilyon Woo

Experience the Garland Square on Ice

The magic of the season is alive at Garland Square on Ice, Downtown Garland’s must-see winter experience! Through Sunday, Jan. 4, Garland Square transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland — complete with a full-sized outdoor ice-skating rink, festive lights and family fun that will warm your heart (even on the chilliest days).

Grab your skates or rent a pair and hit the ice beneath the glow of twinkling lights. Whether you’re showing off your figure 8s or just trying to stay upright, you’ll make memories worth melting for! Get your tickets today!

Downtown Holiday Storefront Competition Continues

The Arctic Blast has arrived in Downtown Garland! As you shop local for your holiday needs, explore the decorated storefronts of Downtown Garland and vote for your favorites by scanning the QR codes posted in each window. Your vote helps crown the coolest display! The contest runs through Sunday, Jan. 4.

Garland Symphony Orchestra Presents Soprano Alissa Goretsky Friday, Dec. 19

The Garland Symphony Orchestra will feature soprano Alissa Goretsky at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

Titled “Invitation to the Dance,” the Garland Symphony Orchestra's 47th season will feature masterworks like Copland’s "Rodeo," Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring" and Bernstein’s "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story." The program will also include holiday favorites and the annual sing-along!

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

Gary Morris Christmas in Garland Saturday, Dec. 20

Gary Morris returns to Garland for a special Christmas matinee at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

Morris will perform many of his biggest hits on acoustic guitar for an intimate experience with voice and song, as well as a special selection of Christmas songs to celebrate the season.

He is best known for his original recording of "Wind Beneath My Wings" which won both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music "Song of the Year" awards. The Texas-born vocalist earns ovations whenever he performs. Get your tickets today!

'Tis the Season to Give Back

Looking for a way to support your community this holiday season?

The Garland Fire Department, Garland Fire Association and Parks & Recreation Department have partnered to make this year's Toy Drive the best one yet. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Garland fire station or recreation center through Friday, Dec. 19.

The Garland Youth Council is collecting warm winter clothing at all Garland recreation centers, libraries and City Hall through Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Departments Relocated as Work Begins at 800 Main St.

Due to infrastructure upgrades at the Ronald Jones Municipal Building, 800 Main St., several departments and the City’s permitting hub have temporary homes over the coming weeks. 

The City Engineering Department moved to 316 N. Glenbrook Drive.

Transportation Department team members who were stationed at the Jones Building relocated to the Garland Traffic Shop, 409 Forest Gate Drive.

Building Inspection, Planning, Community Development and Neighborhood Vitality departments relocated to 713 Austin St. (a former library facility, pictured).

The work at the Jones Building is expected to last into early 2026.

Tap Telehealth Pilot Program: Free Access to Health Care



This holiday and flu season, the MD Health Pathways Tap Telehealth pilot program puts a doctor in your pocket for free!

Get immediate access to health care — no waits, no copays, no hassles and no health insurance required. With medical offices closed during the upcoming holidays, you can text to receive care in minutes and get prescriptions fast.

The pilot program is offering free access until the full program launches in spring/summer 2026. Register online today!

Garland in the News

Homes.com highlighted southeast Garland as a growing and conveniently located community surrounded by amenities. Read the full article about this popular neighborhood.

City Council Meetings

Dec. 15 and 16

The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. The Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. 

Upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov. View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.