Newsroom

Starting 2/17/2025, construction begins on the Small Dog Pool and is expected to take up to 10 days. Construction on the Large Dog Pool is expected to begin after the Small Dog Pool is complete.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Thursday supported Commissioners Court’s approval to give a $1 million grant to the African American Male Wellness Agency, a nonprofit that will provide opioid prevention services and education to Black men.

From struggles with weight to finding joy in cycling, Commissioner Ellis discusses lifestyle changes that have transformed his life. We must invest in greenspace and trails so others have the tools for better health too.

Here’s a look at some of our events and initiatives from 2024.

We will defend the rights of immigrants and safeguard the principles of justice, inclusion, and community.

All neighborhoods deserve to be safe from flooding, but historic underinvestment has left Scenic Woods/North Forest vulnerable
within a high-risk 10-year floodplain. Thanks to the efforts of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Harris County, we now
have an opportunity to build a new stormwater detention basin to protect our neighbors. This project is our chance to correct these
inequities by providing essential flood infrastructure long needed in these communities.

In Harris County, we believe that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is about more than just access to healthcare— it’s about addressing the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from living healthy, fulfilling lives.

Here in Harris County, we’re carrying on Mickey Leland’s legacy through transformative investments toward food, nutrition, and affordable housing. We’re making existing homes safer, addressing the scarcity of affordable housing, and reducing housing instability for vulnerable Harris County residents.

Every life lost on our roads leaves a lasting impact—shattering families, unsettling communities, and casting shadows of grief. As we commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims this week, we face these painful realities together and renew our commitment to ending the daily devastation on our roads.

"Today, as Erica Lee Carter steps into her mother’s role, we’re witnessing more than a transition; we’re witnessing the endurance of a powerful legacy."

In Harris County, we don’t just talk about honoring our veterans; we invest in policies that give them real, meaningful support.

"I am incredibly thankful to the Justice Department for heeding our call and deploying federal monitors to safeguard the right to vote here in Harris County and across the nation."

Program Trains over 1,500 People through Labor Apprenticeships

"I am deeply disappointed by today’s vote to remove J. Kent “Kenny” Friedman as Chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority."

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) Executive Director Emilee Whitehurst announce that Commissioners Court plans to approve a $500,000 grant for the HAWC to renovate its Crisis Response Center.

The fight isn’t over, but we’ve cleared a major hurdle.

"This ruling is a significant victory for Harris County and the hundreds of thousands of families struggling to pay rent, put food on the table, and make ends meet."

In this issue, you can read about our work to further disaster resilience, climate justice, and economic opportunity for all.

As we continue to learn from our past, let us work together to build a future where Indigenous communities continue to thrive and where their contributions are not only recognized but actively celebrated.

Residents can bring debris and other heavy trash on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

"I stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in labor and working people everywhere in the fight for better wages and rights on the job."

Today, the application portal opens for Harris County’s first-ever revolving loan fund, known as the Harris County Opportunity Fund. This is the largest direct investment by a local government in a low-interest loan program in Texas history.

I stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in labor and working people everywhere in their fight for better wages and rights on the job.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on these immense challenges and work together on solutions. Let's break the stigma and save lives together.

The letter states that election monitors are necessary due to ongoing and past actions by the state to suppress, intimidate and disenfranchise Texas voters. Recently, voting rights advocates urged the Secretary of State to refrain from purging individuals from Texas' voter rolls within the 90-day period preceding a federal election in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act.

As we celebrate Banned Book Week, let us pledge to continue the fight against those who seek to write our stories of resistance out of history and limit our access to the rich tapestry of human experiences. Together, we can ensure that our libraries remain beacons of enlightenment and that our community remains resilient in the face of adversity.

We will Continue the Fight to Stop State and Local Officials Who are Trying to Erase Chapters of History

"Justice for Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas was served today, but equal justice for all people will remain elusive in Harris County until we advance reforms."

I will continue to fight for greater investments in our communities and work with them to address the harms of neglect, right past wrongs, and make the investments needed to ensure every community is healthy, safe, and thriving.

Harris County will continue to fight so that every family in the County has access to the opportunities and resources they need to prosper.

We continue to fight for flexible financial assistance and renew our commitment to uplifting families with the support that they need through our historic funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the Biden and Harris Administration.

As we reflect on Labor Day, let us remember that progress is achieved when we organize for better conditions together, united in purpose. Let’s keep pushing forward to win working people the respect and opportunities they deserve​.

Since Harvey, we have established an equity framework to guide our investments in flood protection. From concrete plants to creosote contamination, we’re confronting environmental injustice in our communities. We’re taking action to prepare for and prevent unnatural disasters caused by climate change so that every community is better protected, more resilient, and able to recover before the next storm​.

On August 23, 1917, the Camp Logan Riots occurred here in Houston. Some of the same injustices that the soldiers of Camp Logan faced, including racial profiling, police brutality, and inadequate legal representation, are issues that people of color still grapple with today. We hear their voices in the present and work toward addressing what was previously left unheard.

Together, we can raise awareness about the unique mental health care challenges BIPOC communities experience while we continue our work to lift the stigma, break down barriers to care, and connect people to culturally inclusive resources.

We’ve yet to see an end to police brutality and systemic oppression, and we won’t see it until we courageously advocate for initiatives and programs that invest in community safety and center people, all people.

While we understand that the road to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Beryl is long for many, we are no longer able to distribute and deliver food, ice, and water to residents. However, we remain committed to supporting our residents with accessing debris pick-up, debris drop-off, and federal recovery resources from FEMA and SBA

Felix fought tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday people. I was honored to work with Felix to advance the cause of equity and justice in our region. His legacy will be long lasting and his presence sorely missed.

Thank you, President Biden, for your decades of service to our country. Your love of America has been a steady hand guiding us through the greatest challenge to the Republic in 160 years.

My friend, ally, and long-time political partner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, passed from this world and into the pantheon of legendary Texas leaders. For nearly 30 years, she tirelessly represented the people of her congressional district.

Houston local elected officials and civic leaders urge Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, The Freedom To Vote Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and the Washington D.C. Admission Act and Realize John Lewis’ Vision for Democracy

Houston local elected officials and civic leaders urge Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, The Freedom To Vote Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and the Washington D.C. Admission Act and Realize John Lewis’ Vision for Democracy

The following community centers are open for normal operations: Tom Bass Community Center, Lincoln Park Community Center, Finnigan Park Community Center, YET Center, Julia C. Hester House. For questions about debris clean-up, please call the Harris County Debris Hotline at (713) 274-3880.

Today July 10, Precinct One will open distribution sites as cooling centers and for water and food distribution. Wednesday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out) for distribution and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for cooling centers

Extreme heat from climate change has quickly become one of the most widespread and dangerous impacts of climate change. We’re seeing it here in Harris County. Summers are getting longer, triple-digit heat is arriving earlier each year, and we all need to take precautions to stay safe in extreme heat. We’ve put together resources and information to help you, your loved ones, neighbors, and pets beat the heat. You can also learn more at Harris County Public Health’s Extreme Heat & Health Hub and Heat.gov.

Happy Pride Month! This is a time to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to fighting for a community where everyone can live openly and authentically without discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and One for All Foundation board member Wendy Montoya Cloonan joined youth from Fifth Ward and Acres Homes on Wednesday, June 26 to roll out the Summer Games new education, health and civic engagements programs that improve the lives of underserved children.

“Seventy years. That’s how long it took to find justice for Henrietta Lacks and her family for the cells illegally harvested from her body. Today we acknowledge the impact of her ‘Immortal Life’ and the ‘HeLa Cells’ on global health – as well as the countless lives their use have ultimately saved.

County Appointee to Board Testifies that METRO Has Already Informed the Federal Transit Administration They Will Not Seek the Funds

Abortion is a fundamental right. Everyone deserves access to reproductive healthcare and the autonomy to make decisions about their own body, health, and future. Forced pregnancy and birth are not only dehumanizing but also pose significant risks to health and safety, particularly in a state like Texas, with limited access to healthcare and high maternal mortality rates. That’s why Harris County is taking bold action to defend against the attacks on reproductive care and safeguard the health and freedom of those we serve. Our Reproductive Health Access Fund increases access to contraception and reproductive healthcare in underserved communities that are most affected by these restrictive laws.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Friday again called on the METRO Board of Directors to seek $939 million in federal investment for the University Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and complete the voter-approved 25-mile expansion of service linking northeast Houston to the TSU/UH, Midtown, Greenway Plaza and Westchase communities.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound legacy of Black People or African Americans who endured the horrors of slavery and fought relentlessly for their freedom. The persistent push for justice by Black people and their allies stands as a testament to a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that every American, no matter the color of their skin or their background, is treated equally and fairly in this country.

Once again, the narrow-minded powers in Austin have ruled against the working families of Texas. Uplift Harris is an innovative program based on highly successful efforts both outside and inside the state. It’s proven instrumental in pulling people from the brink of economic despair and is effective at reversing the burden of poverty smothering too many of our fellow Harris County residents.

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to remember the many lives cut short by gun violence and a time to recommit and reimagine taking bold action to enhance safety and togetherness in our community.

May is National Older Americans Month, and its theme is “Powered by Connection”. We know the profound impact that relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being, which is why we intentionally support our elders with a wide range of programming catered to their needs.

As we recover from the extreme weather that has devastated many of our communities, we are working hard to ensure all our residents have access to the resources they need during this difficult time and have the information they need to access critical services.

We must work harder to protect people from the slow and steady violence of oppression, neglect, and racism and make right the wrongs that people have endured for far too long.

Houston Rockets player Amen Thompson, mascot Clutch and the team’s staff on Thursday joined Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and his staff to give storm victims water, tarps and meals ready to eat (MRE) at Finnigan Park in Fifth Ward.

As our community grapples with overcrowding in our jails and as residents’ mental and physical health suffers in the face of disasters, we need HART more than ever. 

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and a towering figure in our community, the Reverend William A. Lawson. His life's work as a civil rights icon, educator, and relentless advocate for the underserved has left an indelible mark on Houston and beyond.

“I’m shocked by what I saw in one news report regarding allegations concerning state-imposed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles. This also calls into question every dollar he has spent as superintendent. While teacher benefits are being slashed, libraries are being closed, and support staff are being let go, HISD parents and taxpayers deserve a robust and timely investigation to ensure that tax dollars are being used appropriately and ethically. This is especially true at a time when the district is under the direct control of the State and not accountable to a locally elected board.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the importance of mental health. It’s a time to talk openly about why it matters, how it affects all of us, and why there shouldn’t be stigma around seeking the help you need. In Precinct One, we’ve taken steps to expand and improve services to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health, substance use disorders, and behavioral health crises by helping direct federal dollars to local agencies and programs that have the greatest impact.

Each year, we celebrate Second Chance Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of supporting people as they re-enter society after incarceration and promote awareness of the hardships they encounter during this transition.

The loan program, called the Harris County Opportunity Fund, will start with $17 million – $8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and a matching $9 million from the PeopleFund – that will be loaned to businesses to erase gender and racial wealth and business ownership gaps. The money businesses use to repay the loans goes back into the fund for future borrowers to create a Revolving Loan Fund that has a sustainable funding source for Harris County.

Renovations Include Improved Space for Literacy, Computer Lab and Fine Arts Studio

Our outgoing District Attorney’s decision to hand over the Elevate Strategies case to Ken Paxton is a new low for Kim Ogg. The future of three young public servants, who were already derailed by this political witch hunt, has now been handed over to a hyper-partisan office with an axe to grind. Giving Ken Paxton the opportunity to undermine Harris County, yet again, is just another feather in Ken Paxton’s cap and red meat for his MAGA base.

I am incredibly disappointed in today’s ruling. This frivolous lawsuit was a broadside attack on Harris County families struggling to make ends meet by state extremists and a hyper-partisan Texas Supreme Court. Now 1,900 working families who were expecting to have their lives changed have been robbed of a critical hand-up. We will not be deterred. We will continue to fight for those 1,900 families, and every one of the 750,000 people living under the crushing weight of poverty in Harris County.

The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked 1,900 families from receiving the first payment through our Uplift Harris guaranteed income pilot.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Harris County and a coalition of counties, cities, and organizations from across the state will receive $249M to expand access to solar power in low-income communities and create access to good-paying, clean energy jobs across the state.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said Thursday he is grateful that a state district judge ruled against the state’s lawsuit to block the county’s guaranteed income program, which puts officials over the first legal hurdle to start issuing $500 a month to 1,900 eligible households in select ZIP codes over an 18-month period. The program, dubbed Uplift Harris and initiated by Commissioner Ellis, allows recipients to spend the funds on essential needs such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing, utilities, health care, and other necessities.

The vast majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and that’s why Harris County is investing in initiatives that prioritize maternal and infant health.

With the help of Precinct One Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis’s Dr. John Biggers bus, the Blue Triangle Community Center will host a celebration of the late muralist’s 100th birthday that includes a panel discussion on Saturday.

Pedestrian-Bike Bridge Under Construction Over Brays Bayou Improves Recreational Opportunities and Creates Safer Route for Students to Walk or Bike to Schools

The reality is that Austin extremists like Ken Paxton could care less about the constitutionality of Uplift Harris; what they care about is maintaining a system that favors billionaires and starves working families of the support they need to thrive.

Share your ideas at a community meeting on April 10 or complete our online survey.

This is the future that MAGA extremists want, but we will not cower in the face of their affronts to our community.

This dedication not only serves as a lasting tribute to Spc. Guillen’s life and her family's courage but also stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us to continue advocating for change.

Trans lives are not up for debate.

New Murals Bring Total to 44 Pieces of Art in Big Art. Bigger Change. Campaign that Reflects the UN General Assembly’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals

One Measure Gives Qualified Childcare Facilities 100% Property Tax Exemption while Another Supports Children with Developmental Delays

Everyone deserves equal protection under the law when their freedom is on the line.

Exciting news for Harris County

Women shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their job or caring for a child.

On March 7, 1965, a day that history would forever remember as Bloody Sunday, the Edmund Pettus Bridge became a battleground for the civil rights movement. Peaceful demonstrators, armed only with the conviction of their beliefs, set forth to march for their fundamental right to vote. They were met with brutal, unprovoked violence that underscored a harsh reality: the journey toward justice is fraught with adversity, demanding not just passive hope but active engagement. In Harris County, we are committed to confronting these injustices head-on, inspired by the same spirit that fueled the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The data is clear: these programs lead to financial stability and empower families to pursue lives of prosperity. But even more powerful than the data are the stories.

We’re also honoring history makers and servant leaders and supporting our historic neighborhoods in visible ways across Precinct One.

In this issue, you can read about our work to protect reproductive freedom, education, and voting rights, new parks and trails in Precinct One, and more.

Don’t wait, be a voter today. Early voting begins Feb. 20 for the Mar. 5 primaries. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during Early Vote except for Feb. 25, when polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. After the early voting period ends on Mar. 1, polls will reopen on Election Day — Tuesday, Mar. 5.

Until our state leaders act, these events will happen again and again.

Despite state and federal inaction, we are taking bold action on gun violence at the local level with strategic and comprehensive approaches to advance community safety.

TODAY is the last day to register for the upcoming primary election. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to check your voter registration status. If you’re already registered and have questions about the upcoming election, the Harris County Clerk’s Office Elections Department is hosting a voter education workshop Thursday, Feb. 8.

Due process and the right to counsel are promised to all people regardless of how much money they have or whether they can afford an attorney. We are working so that Harris County lives up to that promise.

Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the last major piece of funding for Hill at Sims, a new regional park in the Sunnyside area of Houston initiated by the office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

A total of 59,431 households have applied for Uplift Harris within the first seven days since the guaranteed income program kicked off on Jan. 12, with 46,230 of the applications completed.

Dr. King’s visionary call for economic justice, fair housing, and anti-poverty programs marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement. In Harris County, we will continue to fight to ensure every family has access to resources and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Inspired by Harris County’s Climate Action Plan, our Precinct One team decided to scale back mowing a nondescript swath of land rarely seen by the public that is attached to parkland off Almeda School Road. Starting in March 2023, we turned off the gas-guzzling mowers to reduce emissions. And what happened next is nothing short of remarkable.

I write to you today with deep concern and outrage over the passage of Senate Bill 4 (SB4), anti-immigrant legislation set to go into effect on February 6th, 2024. This bill not only constitutes an extreme case of state overreach but is a direct affront to our values as a county.

Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved investing an additional $4 million for the Housing and Legal Services Fund Program that helps prevent people from being evicted from their homes. The additional funds will bring the total to $9 million the county has invested in the program since 2021.

Renovations will Make County’s Justice System Fairer for all Involved from Victims to Those Awaiting Their Day in Court.

Park and Community Center Provide Recreational, Educational, Social Services for Youth and Adults to Enhance Quality of Life in Acres Homes

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and others will announce that Commissioners Court will vote on a resolution that apologizes to the families of African American soldiers who were killed, beaten, and unjustly convicted during the 1917 Camp Logan Riot in Houston. The resolution, which Commissioner Ellis will present, states: “Harris County Commissioners Court apologizes to the families of all the soldiers who were killed, beaten, harassed, unfairly convicted, and denied their rights to due process and equal protection under the law while serving our country in Harris County.” The Camp Logan Riots took place in the summer of 1917 and involved the all-Black 3rd Battalion of the 24th Infantry Regiment, which was deployed in Houston to guard the construction of the Camp Logan training site, located in what is today Memorial Park.

“It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when I think about Barbara Jordan, who was such an inspiration to so many of us, including my former boss and mentor, the late Congressman Mickey Leland, who led the effort to rename the Franklin Post Office after Congresswoman Jordan in 1984. It was a fitting tribute because this post office was a place that helped thousands of Houstonians every single day.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Flood Control District Executive Director Tina Petersen, agricultural scientists and seed experts will announce the Southeast Texas Native Seed Mix (SET NSM) program near a stormwater detention basin that potentially will be a test site for the native grasses and flowers. Experts will discuss seed access and applicability and will detail the benefits to environmental sustainability, storm and drought resilience, public health and the economy. The Regional Access to Native Seed Mix (RANSM) Coalition consists of elected officials, business and economic development leaders, large-parcel commercial landowners, governmental entities, public health authorities, statewide native seed growers, Texas Native Seeds Program and Natural Resources Conservation Service-Texas (NRCS-Texas).

Now, through Dec. 5, those registered to vote within the legal boundaries of the City of Houston can vote early in a joint runoff election that will decide the following positions: Mayor of Houston, Controller, District D, G, and H City Council positions, At-Large 1, 2, 3, and 4 City Council positions.
Please make a plan to vote in the runoff, and forward this email to a friend, family member, or neighbor and encourage them to seize the opportunity to shape our city’s future.

While Mickey may be gone, his legacy lives on through our work. In Harris County, we are delivering hope through transformative investments in hunger and housing.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Dr. Shiree A. Berry with HCA Houston Healthcare and Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson will provide an update on the success of the Hospital-linked Violence Interruption Program. Also, there will be a personal success story of a program participant. The program, started last year, is designed to help reduce gun violence in at-risk communities in Harris County.

Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a resolution by Commissioner Rodney Ellis calling for the State of Texas to take immediate action to rectify the funding disparities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and higher education institutions serving Latinos.

This week, Harris County Public Health is wrapping up its application window for eligible organizations, seeking those with a history of serving vulnerable populations and the ability to increase access, education, and awareness about reproductive health services in our communities.

“Harris County made history today by appointing the immensely qualified Diana Ramirez as Harris County Administrator. Ramirez did an excellent job as interim County Administrator and I know she will continue using her 30-plus years of government experience to help Harris County improve the quality of life for all residents. We look forward to her continued leadership that will build on the progress made by her predecessor Dave Berry, the first County Administrator.”

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved over $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help finance the development of five multifamily rental properties that will add several hundred units to the affordable housing supply throughout the county.

Harris County Precinct One is inviting applications from qualified youth sports leagues to operate within multiple public parks within our jurisdiction.
​Apply by 4:00 PM (CDT) – November 13, 2023.

Last year, Harris County launched the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund to make sure survivors and their families could access resources all across the region through multiple agencies. Thanks to the Fund, which is administered by the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC), 19 community-based agencies now have a seat at the table. They range from longstanding local advocates like the Houston Area Women’s Center and Catholic Charities to small-but-mighty community partners serving specific neighborhoods and communities.

I had the honor of attending a graduation ceremony for exceptional young people who completed Harris County’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program. This program puts these individuals on a path to success, helping them develop interview skills and test-taking strategies as they consider various crafts and trades, such as construction, HVAC, and electrical work. By the end of the program, they are confident in their abilities and direction. This leads to higher retention rates as they embark on 3- to 5-year apprenticeships.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Attorney Christian Menefee, state and federal elected officials, and healthcare leaders will ask northeast Houston residents to oppose a company’s pending state permit to build a concrete crushing facility near Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital.

At our last Commissioners Court meeting, we officially designated our Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system as a "book sanctuary." This declaration signifies our unwavering dedication to providing a safe and inclusive space where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every idea is respected. As we celebrate Banned Book Week, let us pledge to continue the fight against those who seek to write us out of history, censor the stories that have shaped us, and limit our access to the rich tapestry of human experiences.

During Banned Books Week, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Public Library (HCPL) Director Edward Melton will discuss HCPL’s status as a “Book Sanctuary” and inform the public that a vast majority of Texas’ “banned books” are available for checkout at library branches.

I am excited to welcome Judge Lina Hidalgo back where she belongs, at the helm of our nation’s fourth-largest county.

I was proud to help spearhead a $7.2 million commitment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars to support the Knowles-Rowland House, which will provide 31 permanent supportive housing development units at the St. John’s Downtown campus. This project will move Harris County closer to realizing its vision for a vibrant, inclusive region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and a place to call home.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Executive Director Barbie Robinson, and Dr. Chico Tillmon will provide an overview of national and local gun violence trends and updates on Harris County’s programs to curb gun violence. In addition, Dr. Tillmon will discuss his documentary, "The Credible Messenger,” which follows his own journey to understand why some people are at high risk of violence.

While this budget is a step in the right direction, significant unmet needs and challenges persist. We remain committed to budget priorities that expand access to opportunity, advance justice, and make our communities stronger and safer.

The budget we've adopted for 2024 aims to sustain or expand services and builds a future in which communities are safer, healthier, and better protected from flooding and climate change. It represents a set of investments in a more just legal system, expanded access to health care, housing, and jobs, and the advancement of fair and free elections. With today’s vote, this vision comes closer to fruition despite Austin politicians' efforts to kneecap local control and restrict our ability to invest in our communities.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, organizations, mental health advocates, health care professionals, and communities come together to educate the public about suicide risk factors, warning signs, available resources, and the importance of seeking help for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and others will announce a freedom marker to honor “Ben,” who escaped slavery on Sept. 13, 1864. The event takes place during International Underground Railroad Month, which is recognized in September because well-known freedom seekers and Underground Railroad operatives, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, escaped from slavery in that month. Philanthropist William O. Perkins III, who donated the Ben marker, initiated the Freedom Marker project that resulted in a searchable database of more than 10,000 enslaved people who sought their freedom by running away.

“I am infuriated to witness the continued discrimination against Black students at nearby Barbers Hill High School. Just seven days after the Texas CROWN Act became the law of the land, Barbers Hill ISD leaders are shamefully persisting in their crusade against students of color..."

This Labor Day, we must reflect on the enduring legacy of working people and labor unions in shaping the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today and unite in solidarity and keep pushing to give working people the respect and opportunities they deserve. In Harris County, we are working in that spirit year-round. My office is proud to work on the following programs that aim to build a more inclusive economy that works for everyone.

Hundreds of bills go into effect Sept. 1, extending the state’s reach and undermining the will of the people.

Today, the Harris County Commissioners Court is forced to take action to comply with Senate Bill 1750, a new state law that forces Harris County, and only Harris County, to eliminate the position of elections administrator and revert election duties to a bifurcated system, where the Tax Assessor-Collector maintains voter registration and the County Clerk administers elections.

Today, we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—a day that still echoes through our collective consciousness. Sixty years later, in our own Harris County, economic disparities cast shadows over the lives of countless families. Guided by this urgency, I was proud to announce Harris PROSPERS.

For the poorest neighborhoods, Harvey is not a distant memory. Its effects are still experienced, even six years later. We are continuing to fight for our fair share and doing everything we can to meet the needs of our region. We’re committed to ensuring every community has the flood protection it needs and deserves.

Democracy in Harris County and the State of Texas took another blow today with the Texas Supreme Court ruling that allows the Legislature to target Harris County and exercise unprecedented control over our elections.

“I applaud today’s court ruling temporarily blocking SB 1750 from taking effect. The legislation targeting Harris County elections undermines the will of the people..."

It’s possible to bridge the economic divide, prosper together as neighbors and equals, and live in a society where all people benefit from economic stability, fair opportunity, and shared prosperity. Visit harrisprospers.com to learn more about initiatives, policies, and programs the county is working on to create a prosperous, thriving Harris County.

In the next few weeks, more than 1 million students in the Houston region will return to school. During the 2023 sales tax holiday, Friday, August 11, to Sunday, August 13, you can shop tax-free for most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks (sold for less than $100). I also encourage participation in school supply drives and other resources to prepare for the new year.

Alignment of programs, initiatives supports workforce development and safety, MWBE, living wages, nutrition, housing, and childcare

Yesterday marked the 58th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. We must advocate for revitalizing and strengthening the Voting Rights Act to ensure that it serves as an impenetrable shield against any attempts to suppress the will of the people.

The decision by Houston ISD’s state-appointed superintendent to remove libraries from already under-resourced schools pulls up the ladder for communities of color, condemning children to routinized surveillance that sends a message: you don’t belong.

It’s not your imagination – summers are getting longer. Triple-digit heat is arriving earlier each year. Weather is less predictable. There’s no denying climate change has altered the everyday reality of communities not just in Harris County but across the globe.

"I am outraged by the actions of the state-appointed HISD superintendent to eliminate school libraries and turn them into what are functionally detention centers..."

Access to mental healthcare is an ongoing concern in all our communities, particularly those that have experienced discrimination, trauma, and displacement. This July, during BIPOC Mental Health Month, we highlight our commitment to improving access to mental health care and wellness in communities of color.

To beat the heat and stay safe in the sun, we have resources to share from our partners at Harris County Public Health to avoid heat-related illness.

In this issue, you can read about the Harris PROSPERS program, the programs and services that our Community Centers have to offer, and hurricane preparedness.

3-on-3 Basketball Championship Tournament Designed to Instill Teamwork, Leadership and Confidence

Housing is a Human Right.

Funds will Provide More Money for Relocation and Benefit for Undocumented Families

Today's Supreme Court decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions is a profound setback for our nation and the pursuit of equality and justice.

We can’t talk about Pride without talking about the increasing attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in Texas and around the country.

Man-made Channel Carries Stormwater from West University Place and Southside Place to Brays Bayou

Funds would Provide More Money for Relocation and Benefit for Undocumented Families

‘Street Games’ Competition gives underserved communities equitable access to quality recreation and enrichment programs

Juneteenth is a day in which we acknowledge and reflect on the horrific legacy of slavery while honoring those enslaved people who fought for freedom. It is also a day when we renew our vows to live freely and to fight the forces that seek to dismantle our hard-fought wins.

Early REACH (Raising Educational Access for Children in Harris County) will help low-income parents of up to 800 infants and toddlers access the high-quality care they desperately need.

60-Mile Ride Starts in Galveston and Ends at Houston’s Emancipation Park, with Stops at Historic Sites

Harris County Commissioners Court voted to fund and implement Uplift Harris, a guaranteed income pilot program that will help families rise above poverty and strengthen all of Harris County.

$20.5M Investment is Part of County’s Broader Strategy to Address Region’s Economic Inequality and Reduce Poverty

New Murals Bring Total to More than 2 Dozen Pieces of Art on Downtown Buildings that are Part of Big Art. Bigger Change

Three years after the murder of George Floyd, we should feel more distance between the America that allowed this to happen and the America we are today. But we don’t.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we come together to bring attention to emotional wellness and the importance of seeking support when we need it.

Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted to expand the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART), a program that was piloted last year by Harris County Public Health in collaboration with the Harris County Sherriff’s Office (HCSO).

During this session, unlike any session before it, trans kids need to see our support at the Capitol and across the state.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Tuesday condemned further efforts by Texas leadership to overturn tremendous progress for Harris County’s working families. He denounced House Bill 2127, which was passed by both chambers of the Texas Legislature, that would “preempt” progressive and innovative local policies to ensure hard working Texans are adequately compensated and recognized for their role in driving the state’s economy.

They’re more concerned with culture wars than weapons of war.

We’re doing what we can to make our communities safe and healthy at the local level through smart strategic, and substantial investments in public safety.

Harris County Commissioners Court proudly passed a resolution supporting the Tennessee state representatives who were under attack this month.

Proposal Seeks to Improve Workers’ Wages, Local and Fair Hiring Practices, and Clean Energy Innovation

Harris County took a critical step in the global fight against climate change by adopting the County’s internal Climate Justice Action Plan.

Celebration includes Unveiling a Replica of a Late John Biggers Mural Recently Painted on Hester House’s Wellness Center

We are working to right historical wrongs and take meaningful action to address our region’s housing crisis so that every family has a safe, stable place to call home.

We won’t be silenced. The stakes are too high to stay on the sidelines as public education and democracy in Texas hang in the balance.

Experts at 2-Day Health Conference will Analyze the Disparities that Birthing Persons Encounter from Gestation to First 2 Years after Childbirth

This week marks 55 years since the tragic day that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. His assassination unleashed a clarion cry for justice and spurred the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which aimed to end housing segregation. It was the last landmark legislation out of the civil rights movement.

At the start of National Fair Housing Month, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Tuesday strongly advocated for Commissioners Court’s approval of a $15 million investment in federal funds for county officials to purchase over 100 single-family homes for affordable housing. Many of these homes will go into the County’s Community Land Trust for long-term affordability.

Here in Harris County, we will continue to fight for the rights of trans people and all our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors.

This politically motivated takeover disregards what is best for Houston ISD students, violates community trust, and undermines effective local control.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Wednesday released the following statement on takeover of HISD by Texas Education Agency:

"I’m outraged by the state takeover of Houston ISD—the largest and most diverse school district in the state. This is a brazen power grab rooted in a dangerous ideology that threatens public education, local control and democracy in Texas."

Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved Commissioners Rodney Ellis’ and Leslie Briones’ holistic public safety investments package that includes a resolution supporting creation of new district courts, expansion of the public defender system’s capacity to up to 50% of indigent defense cases and scaling up successful health-based alternative programs.

This Money will Help People Get Contraception and Screenings at Clinics Operated by Harris County and Other Providers

Just in Time for the Rodeo, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Others to Cut Ribbon on Recently Completed Almeda Road Trail – a Shared Space for People Walking, Biking and Rolling

Despite the opposition of constituents, civil rights organizations, and legislators of color, state leaders are calling for an end to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at state agencies and public universities.

In this issue, you can read about County leadership's progress and vision in 2023, our commitment to safe and healthy communities, and the programs and services that our Community Centers have to offer.

Harris County Officials to Announce New Hospital-Based Program that Aims to Stop the Cycle of Violence

Commissioners Court will vote on a partnership between county and labor-managed apprenticeship programs that will train workers and create career pipelines that connect people to in-demand jobs that offer strong wages and benefits.

Partnership between county and labor-managed apprenticeship programs will train workers and create career pipelines that connect people to in-demand jobs that offer strong wages and benefits

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis supports Harris County Public Library’s (HCPL’s) decision to permanently discontinue assessing late fees for customers who return items after the due date.

We've received confirmation from the vendor that the issue has been resolved and all gift cards are now working. Please reach out to our office if there are any other issues.

Houston-area residents turned in 793 guns on Saturday at the third Gun Buyback event conducted by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Sheriff Ed Gonzales and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in their efforts to reduce violent crime and make Houston-area communities safer.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis issued the following comment regarding lawsuit against the Elections Administrator’s office related to the November 2022 elections: "This is part of a national right-wing effort to undermine our democracy. Know that Harris County will fight back to protect your hard-earned voting rights.”

To celebrate Black History Month, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, County Attorney Christian Menefee, University of Houston-Downtown President Loren Blanchard and art community leaders will unveil two murals in the downtown courthouse complex. The murals are inspired by Harris County’s planned Remembrance Park.

Texas leaders must recognize that the strength of our state and the engine of our economy is our diversity. Actions that close doors and seek to alienate Texans from the halls of government harm all of us.”

How do we seek justice for Tyre Nichols and protect others from brutality?

Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia on Tuesday joined Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) Director Roberto Treviño in announcing the first-ever toll rate reduction that will save some customers money during this high inflation period.

January 23 is Maternal Health Awareness Day, a day in which Harris County Public Health (HCPH) highlights the urgent maternal and infant health crisis in the county and what Harris County is doing to combat that crisis.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Worthing Early College High School officials on Saturday, Jan. 21 will unveil the “Stop Gun Violence Mural” at the school in Sunnyside as a call to action to stop the violence.

We are tasked to defend what’s been won by those who fought and sacrificed before us while pushing forward toward freedom and equality for all.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, City of Houston officials, and the art community will unveil the United Nations first “Mankind Ecosystem Restoration Mural” to raise awareness and trigger action for environmental protection.

Led by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city and county jointly reappointed Ric Campo to another term as chair of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Here’s Commissioner Ellis’ statement on the reappointment:

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, other county leaders and labor representatives on Monday, Jan. 9 will announce an expanded Worker Protections policy that Commissioners Court will vote on the following day.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Marie Arcos, Chief Government and Community Relations Officer at YMCA of Houston, and others will bring holiday cheer to some Third Ward residents preselected to receive free Chromebooks just in time for Christmas.

Today, the City of Houston, Harris County and The Texas Department of Transportation are announcing a resolution of disputes over the I-45 expansion project, including Harris County’s lawsuit and Mayor Turner’s objection to the project.

“Public art has the ability to inspire change,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Public art is an incredible medium for celebrating our diverse community and history. On Friday the 9th, we invite the public to see the newest addition to this walkable downtown art gallery.”

Commissioner Rodney Ellis issued the following statement in response to the release from custody of Brittney Griner today