HNov. 23, 2025

City of Garland Announces Leadership Transition; Mike Betz Serving as Interim City Manager

Following five years of service to the City of Garland, including three years as City Manager, Judson Rex and the City Council have mutually agreed to not renew the City Manager employment agreement set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Council voted to appoint Michael J. “Mike” Betz as Interim City Manager, with the transition taking effect immediately.

This decision was reached collaboratively and reflects a shared belief that new leadership at this time will best serve the long-term interests of the Garland community. Both Rex and the Council expressed appreciation for the cooperative and professional partnership they have maintained throughout their time together.

Learn more.

Last Chance to Apply: Code Compliance Offers Assistance to Qualifying Residents

The City of Garland Code Compliance Department, in partnership with the Dallas Area Agency on Aging, is excited to offer assistance to qualifying residents who need wheelchair ramps and/or grab bars for bathrooms or home entry areas.

These improvements are aimed at helping seniors and adults with disabilities remain safe and independent in their homes.

If you or someone you know in Garland may qualify and could benefit from a ramp or grab bars, please contact us to be considered for the program or for more information. To inquire or apply, email codenfc@GarlandTX.gov. 

Please submit all inquiries by Tuesday, Nov. 25. Feel free to share this opportunity with neighbors, family members, faith groups and community organizations that serve older adults or residents with mobility challenges.

Thank you for helping us support a safer, more accessible Garland for all.

Migration to Interrupt Municipal Court Services

Interruptions to Garland Municipal Court services will happen as the City migrates to a new court case management system. 

The Garland Municipal Court will be closed for public business Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25-26, for the implementation of its new court case management software and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen for regular court business at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1. The migration will cause our automated phone and web services to be unavailable until Monday, Dec. 1. 

In the interim, payments and documents may be mailed to the Garland Municipal Court at 1781 W. Avenue B, Garland, TX 75042. Payments and documents may also be placed in the Court’s drop-box, which is located just to the right of the Court’s front entrance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Share Your Opinion: Mapping Tool Available to Help Shape Garland's Next Comprehensive Plan

Residents have just a few more days to use a mapping tool to contribute their thoughts as part of Garland Forward, the City's process to a new Comprehensive Plan.

Know of a corridor or intersection that could be improved? An open space that needs attention? Or a spot in your neighborhood that could support new housing options or a neighborhood-scale business? Share your ideas on how to make it better, what changes you'd like to see or how to make our community and your neighborhood more welcoming. Or mark a place you love in Garland and tell us what makes it special. 

You can add pins in six categories: Mobility & Connectivity; Neighborhoods & Housing; Corridors; Parks & Public Spaces; Environment and Infrastructure; and Community Assets & Ideas. A tutorial video is embedded to help with the process. Learn more.

City Holiday Hours and Services: Nov. 27-28

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all City of Garland offices, utility customer service and tax offices, libraries, recreation centers and Carver Senior Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28. These City facilities with Saturday hours will reopen Saturday, Nov. 29. All facilities will be back to normal schedules Monday, Dec. 1. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, all Garland recreation centers will close at 5 p.m., and all libraries will close at 6 p.m.

Firewheel Golf Park will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, but will reopen Friday, Nov. 28.

The Hinton Landfill and Recycling Center and Transfer Station will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27. The landfill will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and the Transfer Station will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

Garbage, recycling, and brush and bulky collection normally scheduled on Thursday will move to Friday, Nov. 28. The regular Friday collection schedule will move to Saturday, Nov. 29. Regular pickup schedules for all areas will resume Monday, Dec. 1. Find your pickup schedule at GarlandSanitation.com.

Garland Square on Ice Opens Friday, Nov. 28

The magic of the season is alive at Garland Square on Ice, Downtown Garland’s must-see winter experience! From Friday, Nov. 28, 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!

Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Downtown Garland

The Arctic Blast has arrived in Downtown Garland, just in time for Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29!

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.

'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 Monday, Dec. 15.

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

New Central Park Walking Trail Coming

A new, .9-mile, 12-foot-wide concrete trail will be added to the perimeter of Central Park, 1310 W. Avenue F, with additional portions routed within the park interior.

The trail is planned to connect to the future Duck Creek Central Segment 3 trail, which is currently underway in design. The site survey is currently in progress with the on-site contractor. Formwork and concrete placement will commence upon completion of the survey activities.

Stay tuned for project updates!

Garland City Council Accepting Applications for New All Abilities Committee

The Garland City Council is accepting applications for a new All Abilities Committee through Wednesday, Dec. 3. This committee will advocate for, support and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families. Potential members may be individuals with disabilities, family members or caregivers, experts, and professionals or community advocates. Once appointed, Committee members will meet bimonthly beginning in February.

Learn more and apply at GarlandTX.gov.

Garland Neighborhood Award Winners Announced

Each year, the City of Garland’s Office of Neighborhood Vitality recognizes those who make extraordinary efforts to enhance, revitalize or invest in their neighborhoods. The following 2025 Garland Neighborhood Awards were presented on Nov. 20 at Lakewood Brewing Company:

• Garland Neighborhood of the Year: Riverset Residential Association
• Public Servant: Garland Police Department’s Officer Jordan Murphy
• Newsletter: Camelot Neighborhood Association’s “The Knightly News”
• Who's Who in Garland: Amy Nicholson in the Riverset neighborhood

Learn more at GarlandTX.gov.

Departments Relocate 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.

Garland in the News

The City of Garland Code Compliance Department's offer of assistance to qualifying residents who need wheelchair ramps and/or grab bars for bathrooms or home entry areas has made headlines from Telemundo, NBC 5 and Univision. Know someone who needs assistance? There's still time to apply! Email codenfc@GarlandTX.gov by Tuesday, Nov. 25.

GOBankingRates recently ranked Garland as the No. 2 affordable housing market in the U.S. where you still need $50K to buy a home. Learn more.

KERA News featured the creation of Garland's new All Abilities Committee to facilitate inclusiveness in the community. Read the full story.

A Naaman Forest High School graduate recently made National Women's Soccer League history, becoming the first player to sign a contract extension through 2030. Find out more about Portland Thorns defender Reyna Reyes.

Plan Commission

Nov. 24

The Garland Plan Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 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.