Arts Commission
Duncanville Arts Commission Selects Logen Cure as City's First Poet Laureate
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — The Duncanville Arts Commission has selected Logen Cure (pictured above) as the City of Duncanville’s first Poet Laureate, marking a new chapter in the city’s commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. Cure will serve a one-year term from July 2026 through June 2027.
Cure is a poet and educator, founder and curator of the Inner Moonlight reading series and podcast at The Wild Detectives in Dallas, and the author of the poetry collection Welcome to Midland, which was shortlisted for the Reading the West Book Awards. Her work is grounded in the belief that poetry is for everyone and that literary arts can create meaningful connections across communities.
Duncanville residents were introduced to Cure during the city’s 2025 Independence Day Celebration, where Mayor Greg Contreras presented her, and she read a poem written for the occasion. She will be officially introduced to the Duncanville City Council and the Duncanville community on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during the City Council’s regular meeting, where Arts Commission Chair Angela Thorpe-Harris will present her in her new role.
As Poet Laureate, Cure will serve as an ambassador for poetry and literary arts in Duncanville, helping foster creativity, civic pride, and public engagement through the written and spoken word. Her experience as an educator, literary organizer, and public-facing artist positions her to help expand access to poetry for residents of all ages.
“Poetry helps people connect with language, with one another, and with the moments that shape a community,” Cure wrote in her artist statement, where she emphasized that poetry belongs to everyone. That philosophy aligns closely with the vision for Duncanville’s inaugural Poet Laureate program and its emphasis on community-centered arts engagement.
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Building Inspections
There were 63 building inspections.
67 Building Permits were issued.
Health Weekly Inspection Report
This week, there were 8 health inspections, 0 for Annual Health Renewal, 0 for the Health Certificate of Occupancy, and 3 Annual Swimming Pool Inspections. 3 routine health inspections, 0 mobile food unit inspections, and 2 complaints.
Total Fees Collected for the Week: $25,982.
West Nile Virus (WNV) Sample Results
Testing conducted by Dallas County Mosquito Control.
- June 24, 2026 – Positive with spraying conducted by Dallas County on Thursday, June 25, 2026, between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The area sprayed was south of Camp Wisdom, east of N. Clark Rd., north of W. Wheatland Rd., and west of N. Main St.
- July 1, 2026 – No report
- July 8, 2026 – Negative
- July 15, 2026 – Negative
To protect yourself from West Nile Virus, use bug spray with DEET. It's also a good idea to stay indoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Rental Weekly Inspection Report
A total of 18 rental inspections were scheduled: 0 passed, 18 failed, and 0 were canceled. The primary reasons for the failed inspections were the absence of GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, missing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and ground rods and water heaters not up to current code.
0 Single-Family Rental Certificates of Occupancy have been reissued.
A total of 0 Apartment Unit Inspections have been completed. There were 0 complaints.
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Boards & Commissions Expo
Meet those currently serving the community on City boards and Commissions, learn about what each does, and get details on how to participate in shaping your community’s future.
Join us on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center (206 James Collins Blvd., Duncanville, TX 75116). Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
We are looking for dedicated, community-minded people to serve on our Boards and Commissions and ad hoc committees. These volunteer positions offer a valuable opportunity to assist in local decision-making by providing input on important issues, helping shape the future of the City of Duncanville. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about civic engagement and public service. If you are interested in making a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and join us in this important work.
A convenient online application can be submitted using the Board and Commission application.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Email Newsletter Updates
Read the Weekly Champion for July 13, 2026.
Join the Email List
DUNCANVILLE FIELDHOUSE
The Duncanville Fieldhouse hosted the following:
BOSS Summer Camp Week #6
Monday through Friday 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
6 courts + rooms
Dallas Mavericks Girls Summer Hoop Camp
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
2 courts
Church Service
Wed 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Sun 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Suite #101c, the Center
GASO VI Basketball Tournament
Thursday 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
6 courts
- 4 Day Traffic Total: 15,178
- Total teams: 270
- Host Facilities include: Duncanville Fieldhouse, Duncanville & Cedar Hill High Schools, & Colman Middle School.
- 144 teams are scheduled to play at the Fieldhouse
- College coaches attending: 60+
- Duncanville Fieldhouse will serve as the main site and provide catering services for food and beverages to all college coaches.
Master’s Pro-am Adult Basketball League, Session III
Sunday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
3 courts
Total B.O.S.S. Summer Camp registrations: 295
Total visitors: 18,010
Revenue for the week: $153,101
DUNCANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergency Management Services (EMS)
- Conducted the Duncanville July 3 and 4 Event After-Action Review and compiled the After-Action Report
- Held an additional meeting to discuss a Regional Public Safety Youth Program among the 4 cities
- Attended the Lancaster Independent School District Safety and Security Meeting
- Emergency Management Coordinator Lauren Sanchez assisted on the Fire Executive Liaison Interview Panel on July 15, 2026.
Fire Administration
- Attended the July 3 and 4 Event After Action Review meeting on July 13, 2026.
- Attended the Ellis Dallas Unified Cooperative Team meeting in Midlothian on July 13, 2026.
- Completed mandatory Texas Commission on Fire Protection class on Traffic Safety for First Responders on July 14, 2026.
- Executive Liaison Interviews were conducted on July 15, 2026, to fill the vacancy.
- Attended Civil Service Commission meeting on July 15, 2026.
Fire Marshal
Reviews
- Plan reviews: 9
- Design Review Committee reviews: 4
Inspections
- Business: 5
- Hydrological Visual Acceptance: 1
- Fire Alarm Acceptance: 1
Fire Operations
The Fire Department responded to 125 calls for service. These included:
Emergency Medical Services: 97
Fires:
- Trash fires: 1
- Grass fires: 1
- Structure fires: 1
- Vehicle Fires: 1
Hazardous Situations:
- Natural gas leaks: 1
- Power line: 2
- Short circuit: 1
- Smoke investigations: 2
Public Service:
- Citizen assists: 3
- Citizen lift assists: 4
- Smoke alarms: 1
No Emergency:
- Malfunctioning alarm: 3
- Accidental alarm: 2
- Box alarms in Tri-cities canceled before arrival: 4
DUNCANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
No update this week
DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
There are only two weeks left to log your reading for the Summer Reading Club at the Duncanville Public Library! Unearth a story this summer, have fun reading, and pick up prizes along the way, including Treasure Chest items (for ages 4 – 18) and books. Read and log 600 minutes between June 6 and July 31 to be entered into the grand prize drawing! Track your reading with Beanstack. Visit https//duncanvilletx.beanstack.com or stop by the Duncanville Public Library to get help with Beanstack.
The TexasAmerica250 exhibit is now on display at the Duncanville Public Library! This exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives, encouraging all Americans to explore the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years. This is a great way for Texans of all ages to learn more about the state’s role in U.S. history.
On Tuesday, July 21 (2 – 4 PM), explore different STEM activities with the Perot Museum Tech Truck! This event is ideal for children of all ages.
Summer Program Highlights
- Monday Matinees and Friday Flicks
- Enjoy a fun afternoon of cinema entertainment for children, complete with popcorn! Mondays (12 noon – 2 PM) and Fridays (2 – 4 PM).
- Tuesdays @ 2 PM
- Special guests for July include The Creature Teacher’s Live Animal Show, catapults and friendship bracelets with Miss Sparkles, the Perot Tech Truck, and a Dino Puppet Show with Brett Roberts.
- Teen Advisory Guild
- Teens aged 14 – 18, are you ready to make your voice heard and have fun? Come share your ideas, plan awesome events for teens, and earn volunteer hours. Wednesday, July 8 and 22 (5 – 6 PM).
- Pop In…
- Pop in for some creative time on Wednesday, July 29 (5 – 7 PM)! Paint with acrylics and contribute to the Community Art Project on display inside the library! An alternative art activity is also available. Ideal for adults and teens, but open to all ages.
- Bored? Games!
- Wednesdays (2 – 4 PM). Unplug and enjoy playing some fun board games such as Jenga, Battleship, Sorry!, and more. Ideal for children aged 6 – 11 but open to all ages.
- Thursday Threads
- Want to grow your sewing skills? Learn to work with buttons, zippers, elastic, and more in these beginner-friendly project-based tutorials! Thursdays (3 – 5 PM). Limit 3 per session. Age 14 and up welcome. Sign up in person or contact the library by phone (972-780-5050).
Ongoing Adult Programs
- Tech Tutors, Wednesdays at 7 – 7:45 PM. Get help with any of your own devices or on one of our public computers.
- Maker Time, Saturdays at 3:30 – 5:30 PM. Use the makerspace to work on your creative projects.
- Additional Maker Time sessions are offered on Friday, July 10 and 24 (3:30 – 5:30 PM).
Ongoing Youth Programs
- Baby Bookworms, Tuesdays at 10:15 AM. Storytime fun for the smallest! Ages 0 – 3 years and a caregiver.
- Game On! Tuesdays (6 – 7:30 PM): Teens aged 12-18 can enjoy board games or console games (Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5) together.
- Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:15 AM. Story time fun for ages 3 – 6 and a caregiver.
- Toddler Story Time, Thursdays at 11:15 AM. Story time fun for toddlers. Open to ages 0 – 3 and a caregiver.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Duncanville Tax Increment Finance Board will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Briefing Room.
Are you a new local small business that opened after May 1, 2026? We invite you to join the growing list of businesses featured in our Open Rewards Shop Local program! This city-approved program is designed to keep dollars local, strengthen the community’s economy, and empower small business owners.
Duncanville Open Rewards – Shop Local Campaign
Earn 10% Cash Back during the months of May and June at local small businesses in Duncanville.
Download the Open Rewards App on your mobile device and support the local economy.
Made possible by the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation
Search for Open Rewards on the App Store and Google Play Store.
To learn more, visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.
GRANTS AND INCENTIVES: (currently in process)
- Kim and Jenny’s Café
Incentive Agreement, $135,000
Approved by DCEDC – September 8, 2025
Approved by City Council – October 21, 2025
- Parklane Investments dba Corinth Properties
Chapter 380 Sales Tax Incentive, Up to $150,000 over 5 years
Approved by DCEDC on December 15, 2025
Approved by City Council on February 3, 2026.
- Railroad Flats Property
A Chapter 380 Agreement with Pagaso California Construction Corp was approved by the City Council on March 3, 2026, as part of the purchase and redevelopment of this vacant parcel in the Downtown District. The proposed development will add housing units to the trade market with the construction of up to 34 townhomes for sale. The proposed project must still secure site plan approvals and amendments to the existing Planned Development zoning ordinance from the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Resolution approving an amendment to the incentive agreement with BCVCR Holdings, LLC was authorized by City Council on April 7, 2026.
- Red Bird Bowling Lanes, Inc.
Infrastructure & Pavement Design Incentive Grants, $30,000
Approved by DCEDC on May 18, 2026.
Approved by City Council on June 16, 2026.
- A2Z Trading LLC DBA JZ Embroidery
Infrastructure, Landscaping, Pavement, Signage, & Paint Design Incentive Grants, $30,000
Approved by DCEDC on May 18, 2026.
Approved by City Council on June 16, 2026.
- Lin and Jen’s Hats On LLC
Signage Design Incentive Grant, $2,500
Approved by DCEDC on May 18, 2026
Approved by City Council on June 16, 2026.
- People Folks LLC
Infrastructure & Signage Design Incentive Grants, $22,742
Approved by DCEDC on May 18, 2026
Approved by City Council on June 16, 2026.
Business Visits
- The Village Shopping Center Business Visits: 771 W Wheatland Rd.
o Rocking Crab Seafood
o Osaki Sushi & Hibachi
o Loan Star Smoke & Tobacco
o Take Out Burgers
- Elite Spine & Sport – 107 N. Cedar Ridge Drive # 134
FISCAL SERVICES
Accounting and Reporting
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) invoices processed: 20; total payment: $129,507.
- Check invoices processed: 48; total payment: $38,511.
HUMAN RESOURCES
APPLY TODAY!
The Human Resources Department is currently recruiting for the following positions:
• Meter Technician I
• Mechanic
• Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
• Senior Center Attendant (Part-Time)
Interested candidates can review current openings (including job descriptions) and
Apply online at: https://www.duncanvilletx.gov/city_hall/departments/human_resources/current_openings
- This week, the City received 24 new employment applications for the 4 job openings.
- The City did not hire any new employees this week.
- The City did not promote any employees this week.
Interested candidates may review current openings, including job descriptions, and apply online at Current Openings.
The Police and Fire Departments are actively recruiting candidates for entry-level Civil Service positions.
PARKS AND RECREATION
D.L. Hopkins Jr. Senior Center
Become a member today! The minimum age to join is 50. For more information, contact the Senior Center at (972) 707-3864.
Upcoming Events
- Bingo with United Healthcare – Friday, July 17, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Alley Cats Bowling – Monday, July 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM
- Loteria with Iris – Monday, July 20, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Healthy Sweet Bites – Monday, July 20, 2026 - 1:00 PM
- Bingo with Suvida – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Book Group – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Mystery Lunch – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 12:00 PM
- The Price is Right with Levi – Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 10:30 AM
- Coffee with the Mayor – Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 12:00 PM
- La Toska – Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 4:00 PM
PARKS
- Crews completed mowing at sites throughout the park system, including Lions, Lakeside, Harrington, Rotary, Big Shenandoah, and Little Shenandoah.
- Staff performed preventative maintenance on mowing equipment during inclement weather to minimize downtime and keep the fleet operating efficiently.
- Crews mowed City Hall, City Hall Annex, Library/Recreation Center, Police Station, Fire Station #2, Police Impound, and the Old Tax Office.
- Crews assisted with post-event cleanup at Armstrong Park and returned photo ops to Village Tech following the July 4th celebration.
- Staff responded to a maintenance request regarding the Pyburn walking trail lighting and ordered replacement bulbs.
- Crews continued top-dressing operations on the Harrington soccer fields to improve field conditions and playing surfaces.
- Staff prepared athletic fields for the High School Summer League games and continued routine field maintenance to ensure safe and playable conditions.
- Crews continued routine flower bed maintenance throughout the city, including weed control, pruning, trimming, and general landscape upkeep to maintain the appearance and health of ornamental beds.
Recreation Center
Facility Highlight – New Recreation Staff Uniforms
This week, the Duncanville Recreation Team received new staff uniforms. The updated uniforms provide a professional, consistent appearance while making staff easily identifiable to members and guests.
Organization Highlight – Journey Dance Center
This week, the Duncanville Recreation Center welcomed back the Journey Dance Center as they continued preparing for their upcoming dance competition. The team utilized the Recreation Center's aerobics room for rehearsals, taking advantage of the spacious facility to refine routines and build confidence before competition.
PLANNING AND ZONING
- The Planning and Zoning department held a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 13, 2026. One item was approved, and three were denied.
PUBLIC WORKS
Construction Notice
The City of Duncanville is starting construction! Please anticipate increased traffic and delays in the area. Construction will begin on April 25, 2026, with an estimated completion in mid-May 2027. Please note that rocky soil conditions and weather can impact the scheduled timeline.
Who: Residents of Duncanville
What: Project: The project consists of the reconstruction of roadway paving, drainage, water, wastewater, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements.
Where: North Cedar Ridge Drive from Cathy Self-Morgan Way/Middale to W. Camp Wisdom Road.
When: April 25, 2026, through mid-May 2027.
Why: To repair the roadway and utilities that have exceeded their lifetime and provide better service and safety to the residents and public.
Contacts:
Duncanville Service Center
972-780-4900
C. Joy Barfield, Project Manager
972-331-2208
[email protected]
Alan Brown, Right-of-Way Manager
972-707-3872
[email protected]
Street Division
- The crew reset the storm drainage grate inlet on Oriole Boulevard.
- Crew located three drainage utilities at various locations throughout the city.
- Crews poured concrete on Willow Run Drive, Katherine Court, and Maple Leaf Drive.
- Crew removed overgrown vegetation from Type III barricades on Crestdell Drive.
- Crew removed debris from the roadway at Main Street and East Wheatland Road.
- Crews repaired broken asphalt pavement on Middale Road, Green Drive, and Rolling Ridge.
- Damaged handrails repaired along Danieldale Road.
- Crews removed and hauled off fallen tree branches on West Camp Wisdom Road, Wesley Lane, and Softwood Drive.
- The crew repaired nine potholes at various locations throughout the city.
Utilities Division
- From July 6 to July 12, 2026, 44,385,900 gallons of water were pumped. There was an estimated 317,375 gallons of water loss.