BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Richardson demographics
Put in perspective
Looking ahead
There is currently no Arab American or Middle Eastern option in the U.S. census, so these residents are typically classi ed as white.
Dallas and Collin counties are home to some of Texas’ largest Arab American populations, but Shaw- ish and Jibrin said it is also Richardson’s growing diversity across the board, with the city’s mix of cultures and international dining and retail options, that fuels the success of their businesses. Mayor Amir Omar said that diversity in the business community is one of Richardson’s “greatest strengths as a city.” Magner said that the impact of individual busi- nesses on city sales tax revenue is relatively minor. Sales tax is a primary funding source for public safety, the library, parks and recreation, animal ser- vices and other city programs, per the city website. Magner added that the city sees a larger ben- e t when businesses come together to “create a place,” similar to DFW Chinatown near downtown Richardson. “It’s when they begin to cluster that people start to come from all over to experience it,” Magner said. “They create something bigger together.”
Since he started development in The Arabian Village, Shawish said he has seen rents for retail spaces in the area jump signi cantly, outpacing increases he sees in other cities. “We did make this area special,” Shawish said. Shawish said he is planning the second phase of his project, developing nine buildings along Business Parkway and Spring Valley Road. Jibrin said more business openings are also lined up in Al Ameera Plaza, and the rst restaurant in Habibi Market Plaza will open this spring. “It’s great that [Al Ameera Plaza] is starting to grow, but we want people to focus on the vision and what we were able to do in a span of two years,” Jibrin said. “Imagine what all of us could do together in the next three to four [years].”
White
Black
Asian Other
1.7% 2%
17.9%
1.3%
54.2%
95%
1980
2020
17.2%
10.7%
Arab American population by county
Collin County
Dallas County
20K
+29.07%
-18.87%
15K
10K
5K
0
2016
2016
2018
2022
2024
2018
2022
2024
SOURCES: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
NOTE: ACS DID NOT RELEASE STANDARD DATA IN 2020
"Better than Riverdance!"
TICKETS
TRAILER
A REVOLUTIONARY NEW IRISH DANCE SHOW
JUNE 4 | 7 P.M. RICHARDSON, TX
Jeng Chi Restaurant & Bakery
TICKETS AT CELTICTHRONE.COM DISCOUNT CODE CELTIC FOR $10 OFF TICKETS
400 N. Greenville Ave. #11 Richardson, TX 75081 972/669-9094 www.jengchirestaurant.com
15
RICHARDSON EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook