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IRVING
CITY
CITY OF IRVING.ORG
CityofIrving.org
JANUARY 2022 / VOL 29 / NO 01
A N O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C I T Y O F I R V I N G
Irving’s 2020 Census Results Show Growth in Diversity
Results highlight Irving’s rich diversity of races, ethnicities and cultures Based on the latest census data, the population in Irving continues to reflect a broad spectrum of nationalities. For many years, the 75038 ZIP code has been heralded as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the nation. Today, the latest results show further growth in diversity. The multicultural layers across the city are one of the community’s greatest features, and the diverse tapestry also helps support a mixture of unique shopping, dining and cultural experiences in Irving.
Irving City Leaders Invest in Diversity and Inclusion The City of Irving supports diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives through various community partnerships, programs and activities. From the Irving Miracle League and Minority/Women Business Enterprise Programs to Shop Talk and Bilingual Story Times, the city works to engage with a variety of people with varying interests. The organization has a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan to guide efforts and ensure that the city provides access, removes barriers and is inclusive of all community members and employees. To support the strategic plan, a D&I Committee was formed to lead inclusive efforts for city employees, as well as the community.
Irving’s total population now tops 256,684 residents, which is a 18.6% increase from 2010. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Irving’s Hispanic population increased, while the white non-Hispanic population declined, each by roughly the same percentage of nearly 20%. The African Hispanic White, NH American population grew by 24%, and 21.0% Asian communities nearly doubled in 41.1% representation. CITY OF IRVING “Over the years, Population Irving has been blessed to be a place where people of all backgrounds, colors and beliefs feel safe and welcome,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. “I am very proud to be part of an inclusive community that embraces differences.”
RACE AND ETHNICITY CITYWIDE
256,684
2020 U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Black, NH
12.4%
Asian, NH Other, NH
3.2%
While the 2020 Census does not report citizenship or nationality, the Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) reports that 61.6% of Irving residents are natural born U.S. citizens, while 10% are foreign born residents who are naturalized citizens. Additionally, the ACS reports almost 29% of Irving’s current residents are foreign nationals, and nearly 40% of Irving residents were born in other nations, including Mexico, El Salvador, India, Nepal, Korea and Pakistan.
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE
The Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) honors Irving's history. Read about IAM features and its opening celebrations.
IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883
Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with Kraig Parker The 2021 Year in Review features noteworthy and the Royal Tribute Band and other performances highlights and accomplishments based on at the Irving Arts Center. City Council strategic goals and objectives. AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING
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RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
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22.3%
NH= Non-Hispanic
Over the past two years, the D&I Committee developed the Commitment to Fostering Diversity and Inclusion document after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020 and hosted a virtual event for employees to open a conversation Area in on social Square Miles injustice. The team also hosted three
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DART SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS DART has redesigned its existing bus system and will transition to a New Bus Network beginning Jan. 24. The new bus network is designed to ensure passengers have safe and easy access to employment, education and entertainment areas across the DART service area. DART’s New Bus Network will be simpler, better, easier and faster for Irving residents. Some key improvements include better accessibility, improved frequency and longer hours of operation. The agency also will restore light rail service to prepandemic frequency. Current DART riders can expect: ● All routes will be replaced by new routes with a new number and/or with GoLink service. ● Some fixed-route bus services will be replaced with DART’s on-demand GoLink service. ● Bus stops will be eliminated. Prior to Jan. 24, bags covering bus stop signs will show what the future service will be. On Dec. 6, City of Irving employees and DART hosted a Facebook Live event to discuss the new service changes and ‘GoLink.’ The entire event is available to watch on the ICTN YouTube channel, @TheCityofIrving. For more information visit DART.org. n
virtual cultural symposiums on Hinduism and Diwali, Hispanic Heritage Month and the Lunar New Year. The Employee Resource Group (ERG) policy was approved in 2021, leading to the formation of the LGBTQ ERG, which helped increase the city’s Municipal Equality Index score by 11 points year-to-year from 36 to 47 points. For more information on the city’s D&I program, visit CityofIrving.org/Diversity. n
Tickets on Sale for 2022 State of the City: Overcoming, Advancing and Achieving The 2022 State of the City presented by Mercury One will feature Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer for a discussion on how the City of Irving has overcome the many challenges of the past year and how the community will continue advancing while achieving successes to reach new milestones. Tickets are on sale for the 2022 State of the City: Overcoming, Advancing and Achieving Jan. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. For more information, visit IrvingChamber.com. n
City Honors Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Jan. 16 Each January, the Irving Parks and Recreation Department holds a special event to recognize and appreciate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's annual observance takes place on Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. The event features a variety of performances by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and a heartwarming performance from vocalist and speaker, Kamica King. This year, the City of Irving is hosting an essay contest promoting the theme “Reaching the Mountain Top.” There are three age categories: grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Judging will be based on clarity, grammar and how well the theme is developed, depending on the age of the writer. The essay should be no more than a page in length or 500 words. Deadline for entry is Jan. 4. For more information, visit IrvingEvents.org or call (972) 721-2501. n
CITY OF IRVING
Martin Luther King, Jr. OBSERVANCE
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES REDISTRICTING PLAN According to the 2020 federal Census, 256,684 people were living in Irving as of April 1, 2020. It represents an 18.7% increase in Irving’s population since 2010. Irving City Council reviewed and discussed the 2020 federal Census and determined that the City Council districts were sufficiently out of population balance to require redistricting. Council approved an ordinance redistricting the City Council districts and establishing new district boundaries at its Nov. 11 meeting. The new districts will be in effect for the upcoming May 2022 general municipal election. New and previous district maps are available online at CityofIrving.org/Redistricting for comparison, as well as the approved redistricting ordinance. n