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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..."

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.

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

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Monday issued the following statement disagreeing with the Texas Attorney General’s Office decision to ask the state Supreme Court to prevent the county from counting votes cast between a court-ordered, one-hour extension on Election Day:

In response to Gov. Greg Abbott calling for a state investigation into allegations of improprieties in Harris County’s midterm elections, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis issued the following statement condemning the Governor’s decision:

Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia have asked federal officials to monitor the County’s midterm elections because Texas leaders plan to send a “task force” to monitor polling places as well as other concerns of voter intimidation.

“The consequences of adopting the No New Revenue Rate are truly dire. It forces tens of millions in cuts to life-saving health care services; throws way $100 million for law enforcement; delays urgent flood control projects; denies investments to strengthen economic opportunity; and jeopardizes other vital services that families depend on to weather tough times and build a better life...

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Qatar Harvey Fund (QHF) officials and health experts will provide updates on the multimillion renovation project at the historic Riverside General Hospital, which will house Harris Public Health and other vital health-related services.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will join Sheldon community members in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 29 to celebrate completion of a $1.6 million, two-lane bridge that residents requested to improve mobility and safety.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and advocates on Wednesday, Oct. 26 will announce a $4.7 million Domestic Violence Assistance Fund that will help reduce domestic violence incidents that sometimes result in homicides.

Harris County Commissioner Ellis, Harris Health System Officials will Discuss Detrimental Impacts of Adopting an Insufficient Budget Caused by Commissioners Cagle and Ramsey not Showing up for Work at Final Tax Rate Vote

Commissioners Tom Ramsey and Jack Cagle’s forced budget cuts will deny Harris County families urgently needed investments in health care, safety, flood resilience and more. They have betrayed the people we serve and put lives at risk.

Three months after Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis recommended Commissioners Court’s approval of a $7.7 million investment in a Maternal and Child Health Program, Harris County Public Health is hosting a summit that addresses health inequities and disparities among Black women.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the Harris County Elections Administrator’s office received a letter from the Texas Secretary of State regarding incomplete findings from an election probe that was announced in September 2021 hours after former President Donald Trump called for Texas election audit legislation.

Today, Commissioners Jack Cagle and Tom Ramsey once again refused to show up to work, despite a meeting being called on their terms to overcome the budget impasse:

Commissioner Ellis played a major part in the art walk’s conception when he happened upon a #ZeroHungerMurals by renowned artist Dragon76 on the backside of downtown’s Hampton Inn.

I commend Commissioner Adrian Garcia for putting forward a proposal that calls Commissioners Jack Cagle and Tom Ramsey to the table to negotiate in good faith so that we can all do the job we were elected to do, which is to serve the people of Harris County through the vital services and programs they need and deserve.

HART’s community responders are now handling nearly 20% of all 911 calls in their service area. This is the equivalent of 11 full-time deputies and 675 hours of officer time.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congressman Al Green, Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas and others will host the second Gun Buyback event in a partnership between the City of Houston and Harris County on Saturday in Alief.

Event Held in Alief Co-sponsored by Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Election Administrator Clifford Tatum Educate Eligible Voters on Minimizing Risk of Having Mail-in Ballots Rejected

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum will encourage eligible residents to register to vote, and registered voters who are eligible to vote by mail to do so using guidance provided by the Elections Administration Office.

In this issue, you can learn more about voting and serving in elections, find an update on the Texas abortion ban and resources for reproductive care, and read about our work to serve Harris County residents.

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If you are a resident of unincorporated Harris County, drop-off your heavy trash the third Saturday of every month at Miller Road Service Center.

All of our residents deserve a safe, strong and resilient Harris County for themselves and their children, regardless of their wealth or their zip code. Mother nature does not discriminate — but unfortunately, our investments to strengthen and protect our county from flooding has.