This month’s column is going to begin and end with a message about voting in this month’s election. I wanted to provide some thoughts on the LISD bond election that is on the ballot. First and foremost, the ballot is going to be long so please be sure to go through the entire ballot, top to bottom.
Regarding the LISD bond election, as an LISD graduate myself, I can attest to the high-quality education our schools provide so I want to encourage you vote “Yes” on as many of the propositions as possible. Every single student in the district–nearly 50,000 students in total including ALL Highland Village students–will benefit from each proposition on the ballot.
Second, if ALL of the propositions are approved, the district can do a lot to enhance school security, improve technology, and expand facilities while NOT increasing property taxes at all…not one cent! That’s a great deal for both our students AND our residents.
And finally, whenever people are asking about how great Highland Village is, one of the first things they ask is, “How good are the public schools?” We’re blessed to have great schools, both in Highland Village and throughout LISD. Our schools are a central part of our community, and they bring our residents together for the purest of worthy causes. With that in mind, I hope you’ll join me in voting “Yes” on the bond proposals and showing our commitment and support to providing a first-class education to our children.
I am always amazed at the thoughtful and giving nature of our community. On October 21, the City held the TXFallenPD Tribute Event to honor Texas peace officers and remember those who died in the line of duty in 2022. This year’s event had the biggest attendance yet. I would like to thank all our residents who either supported the TXFallenPD Tribute Event as a sponsor, as participants in the 5K or Bike Race, or attended the event. We are still tallying the numbers and it looks like we will meet the goal of providing the Fallen Officer Fund $40,000 this year. Our Police Department began this event in 2008 and it has grown to a citywide event with involvement from nearly every department.
Earlier this summer we asked our residents to take a survey sharing your opinions of Highland Village retail and restaurants. Nearly 1,500 of you responded to the survey which provided a 99% confidence level. We learned our residents are proud to live in Highland Village and support local businesses. They like the convenience, proximity and atmosphere of the restaurants and retail options within the city. The majority of residents shop online, with retailers in Highland Village coming in as the second option. The top three most frequented restaurants include Hillside Fine Grill, Blue Goose and Torchy’s Tacos. Residents shop the most at Walmart, Whole Foods and TJ Maxx. Consumers desire to support local and would like to see an expanded variety of businesses offered in Highland Village. Residents also cited traffic and parking as deterrents to shopping local. This survey was a collaboration between the City, the Highland Village Business Association and Newway Insight. The goal of the survey was to understand resident shopping habits, their needs and preferences, and how to encourage patronage and loyalty in Highland Village. The HVBA and the City will collaborate with local businesses, retail center owners and property management companies on strategies to encourage local patronage, add variety and meet the needs of Highland Village consumers. We appreciate the amazing response to this survey. The results can be viewed on the City website at www.highlandvillage.org/survey.
We are continuing the tradition of bringing in the holiday season with Our Village Glows on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The Shops at Highland Village, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will take place on the northern courtyard area. The City partners with the Highland Village Women’s Club and The Shops at Highland Village to bring this festive event to the community. Once again this year the 60-foot Christmas tree will feature a themed “Let it Glow, Holiday Light Show Spectacular” which includes 245,300 LED tree lights synchronized to holiday music. This is a great family event with musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, cookie decorating, ornament making and pictures with Santa. I hope to see you all there as we kick off the holiday season in Highland Village.
Our Parks Department is hosting Wine Down with the Grinch on Friday, Dec. 8. This event is for adults age 21 and up and is a perfect date night opportunity for couples during this holiday season. Attendees will experience live music, adult beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and a special guest appearance from the Grinch. Space is limited for this event so you will want to sign up early at hvparks.com.
Then on Saturday, Dec. 9 come to Doubletree Ranch Park for Christmas at the Ranch. Bring the whole family for Santa’s workshop for children, a special visit from Santa and his reindeer, snow hills and much more. You will want to visit Doubletree Ranch Park throughout the holiday season, as it becomes a winter wonderland with Christmas lights and various lawn ornaments. It a great place to snap that holiday photo for your family Christmas card.
Our local business owners are gearing up for the holiday season. This is the busiest time for our retailers and restaurants and it is the perfect time for you to see what we have to offer in Highland Village. I hope you will make your plans to experience Highland Village as you prepare for holiday gatherings and gift giving. Keeping our sales tax dollars at home not only benefits the business owners who have chosen to set up shop in Highland Village, it also benefits our local economy.
We always receive questions about trash pickup during the holidays. As a reminder, Republic Services will not run trash pickup on Thanksgiving Day so Thursday’s route will move to Friday and Friday’s route will move to Saturday.
Finally, I have been very pleased with the turnout at the monthly Coffee with the Mayor at Sip Stir Coffee House. The first Monday of every month from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. I am at Sip Stir and would love you to stop by and share with me any questions or concerns you have. This month I will be there on Monday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Finally, I hope you will take the time to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7 if you did not vote during early voting. We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have the right to vote. It is a privilege and our duty.
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