Richardson City Manager Don Magner has been selected to receive the 2026 Regional Civic Leadership Award. This award from the North Texas Commission (NTC) recognizes a leader who has made positive contributions to their community to support current needs and future growth.
Magner was chosen for this award, citing his 30 years of service and his record of strong judgment, patience and a commitment to collaboration. Magner’s character traits have helped resolve complex regional issues and delivered long-term benefits to North Texas communities and businesses. The Council praised Magner for his vision for regional, community and business cooperation that supports and enhances collaboration at all levels.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from the North Texas Commission,” Magner said. “Meaningful progress is never the work of one person or one City. It comes from local governments, public agencies, businesses and community partners working together, staying focused on long-term needs and finding common ground. I am grateful to the City Council, our employees and the many regional partners I have had the privilege to work alongside.”
Magner’s skills as a consensus builder have contributed to significant North Texas challenges, including:
- helping resolve a long-standing dispute between the North Texas Municipal Water District and several of its member cities;
- a partnership model with Dallas Area Rapid Transit, paving the way for a transformative agreement with updated governance and finance models; and
- A series of successful economic development initiatives that have drawn praise from industry analysts has strengthened Richardson’s position as a regional center for technology, innovation and high-skilled employment.
Magner began working for the City of Richardson in 1996 and has served as city manager since March 1, 2022. His City career has included service in the Human Resources, Building Inspection, Community Services and Development Services departments. He moved to the City Manager’s Office in 2012, where he held positions as assistant city manager, first assistant city manager and deputy city manager before becoming city manager. He also serves on the North Texas Commission Board of Directors and is a graduate of Leadership North Texas Class 10.
Magner will be recognized during the NTC’s Annual Meeting on Sept. 22 in Irving.
About Richardson, Texas
The City of Richardson is a city proudly built by engineers and entrepreneurs, with a history of technological leadership and a bright future fostering the next generation of innovation. Repeatedly named one of the best cities in America to live, work, and start a family, the City of Richardson offers a high quality of life, a diverse array of neighborhoods, excellent schools, convenient Metroplex location, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and outstanding City services. The City remains dedicated to continuous improvement, as well as to the principles of open government and two-way communication with residents.
