Up to 5 million visitors are expected to descend on Dallas-Fort Worth this summer for the FIFA World Cup, and Richardson city officials are working to ensure that some of those visitors spend time and money in Richardson.

Assistant City Manager Michaela Dollar and Chief of Police Gary Tittle presented city marketing and public safety strategies to Richardson City Council on Feb. 16. The World Cup is set to run June 11-July 19, with nine games hosted at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.

The approach: Dollar said the city worked with outside consultants to develop a marketing strategy that will position Richardson as a “premier international destination.” The city also plans to support businesses directly by providing information on reaching visitors, participating in the North Texas Business Connect Program and registering a watch party.

More details: Tittle said the police department will be monitoring hotel and motel occupancy, Dallas Area Rapid Transit safety, advertised events and pop-up celebrations. Tittle said “crime follows density,” so the department will work to monitor any spaces with heavier-than-normal crowds.

Mike’s Chicken launched a soft opening Feb. 12 in south Plano near the Richardson border across Renner Road from Methodist Richardson Medical Center. A grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 18, Han Dao, daughter of the business owners, said in an email.

On the menu: Mike’s Chicken menu features a variety of fried chicken options including tenders, wings, dark meat, white meat and more. Additional menu items include sandwiches, salads, baked beans, french fries, coleslaw and more.

• 3345 E. President George Bush Highway, Plano

Richardson ISD junior high renovations and new construction at the DFW airport some of the new projects filed recently with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Here are five of the most expensive area permits filed with TDLR in the past week.

1. Liberty Junior High School in Richardson ISD
2. Terminal F and Skylink Station
3. Apollo Junior High School in Richardson ISD
4. Denton Point buildings 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
5. Hardin at SH 121

Three candidates are on the Democratic ballot for US House District 24 for the March 3 primary election.

The details: Jon Buchwald, Kevin Burge and TJ Ware are running in the Democratic primary election for US House District 24. The winner will appear again on the November ballot against Republican incumbent Beth Van Duyne. She has served as the district's representative since January 2021.

The district represents Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Hurst, Bedford, Euless, North Richland Hills, Watauga, Westlake, Coppell, parts of Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Dallas.

What you need to know: Early voting for the March 3 primary runs from Feb. 17-27. Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the November ballot.
For more coverage of state and local races, visit communityimpact.com/election.

The overview: Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 50 words, answer the provided questions and avoid attacking opponents. Responses may be edited for length, clarity and style.