City Honored with DFW Top Workplaces Award

The City of NRH has been named one of the 2026 DFW Top Workplaces by the Dallas Morning News. Only 150 organizations were selected from a record 9,800 employers considered for the honor, and the City of North Richland Hills was the only local government to make the list!

The award is based on feedback from employees, who rated the City highly in areas such as benefits, flexibility, engagement, and workplace culture.

Earlier this year, NRH was also recognized as a 2026 Woman-Led Top Workplace, honoring the leadership of Paulette Hartman, City Manager. Under her leadership, the City has cultivated a workplace culture that supports, develops, and invests in more than 700 full-time and part-time employees who serve the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

A strong workplace helps the City attract and retain talented employees who provide the essential services residents rely on every day. This recognition reflects NRH's commitment to delivering exceptional public service and maintaining the high quality of life our community expects.

NRHPD Volunteer Program Receives International Award

The NRH Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program recently received recognition from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, earning the Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award. The award honors volunteer programs that use innovative and effective practices to support police operations and enhance services to the community.

Established in 2008, our VIPS program has grown to more than 50 volunteers who contribute their time and talents in a variety of ways. Over the years, volunteers have logged more than 230,000 hours of service, assisting with traffic management at crash scenes, supporting criminal investigations through evidence review, maintaining department vehicles and bicycles, and providing assistance to visitors at the police station.

This marks the second time the program has received the prestigious IACP award, with the first recognition coming in 2014. Fifteen VIPS members have also received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service. The honor highlights the tremendous impact NRHPD volunteers have on public safety and their continued commitment to serving the North Richland Hills community.

The City Council recognized the VIPS during Monday's City Council Meeting. We are so grateful for all that they do for the Police Department and community.

Thank You Veterans

To all veterans, past and present, your bravery inspires us and your legacy strengthens our community. With deep appreciation, we thank you for your service. We hope you felt appreciated this Veterans Day and every day!

Special thanks to Bill "Big Sarge" Hansen with Wounded Warrior Project® for being part of this year's Veterans Day Celebration.

Updates Proposed to Child Care & Property Maintenance Codes

The City is seeking community input on proposed updates to the city's Child Care Code and the Property Maintenance Code. Your feedback will help ensure these updates reflect the needs and priorities of the North Richland Hills community. 

The proposed Child Care Code updates are intended to modernize local regulations, remove outdated requirements, and continue protecting the health and safety of children while supporting childcare providers. Proposed changes include reducing duplicate regulations already covered by state law and updating inspection, permitting, and operational standards.

The proposed Property Maintenance Code would adopt the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments tailored to NRH. The update is designed to establish clear property maintenance standards, protect neighborhood conditions and property values, and provide a more consistent framework for residents, businesses, and code compliance.

Interested community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. Visit the following webpages for information:

🔗 Child Care Code

🔗 Property Maintenance Code

City Council to Canvass Bond Election Results

Thank you to all who voted in the Nov. 3 North Richland Hills bond election. A special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, to canvass the election results. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

The unofficial results from Tarrant County Elections Office show that NRH voters approved Proposition A to rebuild Fire Stations 2 and 3, Proposition B to reconstruct 50 streets, and Proposition C to rebuild the City Services Complex. Proposition D to expand the Library was not approved by voters.

City Council Meeting Highlights

Following are highlights from the Nov. 9, 2026 City Council Meeting. Visit our public meeting portal to view the full meeting agenda and video.

Iron Horse Golf Course Updates

During the work session, City Council received an update on operations at Iron Horse Golf Course and reviewed a proposed amendment to the management agreement with KemperSports. Staff highlighted the course's strong operational performance, ongoing improvements to playing conditions and customer service, and efforts to address regional watershed and infrastructure challenges. The discussion included preparations for a major City of Fort Worth sewer main project anticipated to begin in 2028, which is expected to impact portions of the golf course. To help ensure continuity through the construction and restoration process, staff recommended extending the management agreement with KemperSports for an additional five years. The agreement will be placed on a future agenda for City Council consideration.

Utility Billing Efficiency Audit

During the work session, a representative from Baker Tilly presented the results of an independent operational audit of the City's utility billing division. The review examined billing processes, technology systems, staffing, customer service and workflow efficiency. While the audit recognized staff's commitment to customer service and recent technology investments, it also identified opportunities to further reduce manual processes, strengthen internal controls and enhance customer communications. The report includes 18 recommendations that will be phased in to improve reliability and efficiency.

Animal Services Update and Proposed Code Revision

Staff provided an overview of Animal Services operations, highlighting the shelter's continued success in maintaining a live release rate above 95% and increasing community engagement through adoption events, volunteer programs and low-cost vaccination clinics. Council also reviewed a comprehensive update to Chapter 14 of the City Code that would modernize local animal regulations, align them with state law and establish clearer standards related to animal welfare, dangerous dogs, nuisance complaints, pet identification and responsible pet ownership. Staff will place the proposed code revisions on a future agenda for City Council consideration.

Zoning Requests

The City Council approved a special use permit for a contractor’s office with shop and outside storage on 0.895 acres at 3821 Flory Street. The property owner plans to build a 3,200-square-foot building on the property to be used by a landscape business.

With a 5-2 vote, the City Council denied a zoning request for a car wash on 1.5 acres at the northeast corner of Davis Boulevard and Mid-Cities Boulevard. The property, which was formerly a 7-11 convenience store and gas station, is designated in the Vision 2030 future land use plan for retail/commercial uses.

Holiday Lane Improvements

The City Council approved an agreement with Tarrant County to repave Holiday Lane from the railroad tracks to Chapman Road. The work is expected to begin in early 2027 and will take 4 to 5 weeks to complete. The Council expressed appreciation to Tarrant County for its partnership, which helps us stretch our street maintenance dollars further.

EMS Fee Structure Amendments & Billing Contract

City Council approved updates to EMS and fire rescue service fees. The changes streamline ambulance billing, keep rates in line with regional averages, and allow the City to recover certain emergency response costs from insurance providers, helping offset operational expenses while minimizing impacts on residents. The City Council also approved a contract with Emergicon, LLC and Emergifire LLC for billing services.

2027 State Legislative Program

City Council approved the proposed 2027 State Legislative Program, which outlines the City's priorities and positions for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The program focuses on protecting local control, preserving funding for city services, maintaining authority over zoning and development decisions, supporting infrastructure financing, and safeguarding public safety. Staff explained how the program serves as a guide for responding to legislation that could impact North Richland Hills and helps communicate the community's priorities to state lawmakers. NRH residents are also invited to sign up for periodic updates on proposed legislation that may affect city services and quality of life.

The City Council's next meeting regular meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 14. Visit the meeting portal and enter your email to receive agenda notifications.

Upcoming Events

🎨 Craft Supply Swap

Do you have leftover craft supplies? Drop by the Craft Supply Swap in The Maker Spot at the NRH Library on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your new or gently used craft supplies to trade, chat with fellow crafters, and make great connections.

🎻 Celebrating Culture: Chamber Music with the Panther City Trio

Experience the artistry of the Panther City Trio, part of the Spectrum Chamber Music Society, on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the NRH Library. Featuring violin, viola and cello, the trio will perform a selection of rarely heard works spanning the last 300 years. This free concert offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty, color and texture created by this distinctive chamber music ensemble.

🌻 Native Plants in Suburban Landscapes

Learn how to create an attractive, low-maintenance landscape using native Texas plants at a free class on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the NRH Library. Discover practical design tips for building a yard that conserves water, supports local ecosystems and looks great in a suburban neighborhood. Please register in advance.

🧘🏽 Free Community Yoga in the Park

Reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and lower blood pressure while improving flexibility and balance. Join NRH Centre yoga instructor Stephany Padilla at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, for a beginner-friendly yoga class at Northfield Park. No experience needed; just bring a mat and a willing heart! Please pre-register.

🎄NRH Christmas Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season with friends and neighbors at the NRH Christmas Tree Lighting! This year’s event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stormy Plaza Park, 9010 Grand Ave. In addition to the tree lighting, SANTA will be visiting with families and posing for photos. There will also be crafts for kids to make and take, choirs singing, hot chocolate, coffee and food available for purchase and a special Christmas concert featuring Memphis Soul! If you would like to be considered as a vendor, please complete the Arts & Craft Vendor Application. The deadline is Nov. 18, 2026.

👟Run Run Rudolph 5K Family Fun Run

Families and friends will share holiday spirit and enjoy fitness and fun at the annual Run Run Rudolph 5K on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 5. This untimed, fun run benefits the NRH WS365 Water Safety Program. Participants are encouraged to dress in fun and festive holiday attire! Register by Nov. 22 for the best rate.

Never miss an event! Access our calendars on the NRHTX app. Available for iPhone and Android.