Harris County Announces the Retirement of the Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner 03/05/2026 03/05/2026 Congratulations to Dr. Luis Arturo Sanchez on his retirement! After nearly 25 years of dedicated service to Harris County, Dr. Sanchez will retire as Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences on March 31, 2026.“Dr. Sanchez leaves the Institute well-positioned for continued success, and we thank him for his dedicated years of public service and outstanding leadership,” said County Administrator Erica Lee Carter. Read More press room
Harris County Office of Sustainability Named Centerpoint Energy’s “Government Entity Top Performer” 02/18/2026 02/18/2026 (Harris County – February 18, 2026) - Harris County was named CenterPoint Energy’s Government Entity Top Performer of the Year, earning an award of $799,317.90 through the Commercial Market Transformation Program for achieving the highest verified reductions in peak energy demand among participating government entities in its Texas service area. Read More press room
Commissioners Court Appoints Erica Lee Carter as Harris County Administrator 02/12/2026 02/12/2026 (Harris County – February 12, 2026) - Harris County is pleased to announce that Erica Lee Carter has been appointed by the Commissioners Court as Harris County’s new County Administrator, effective March 9, 2026. Read More press room
Harris County Announces Closure Of Public-Facing Services for Monday, January 26, 2026 01/25/2026 01/25/2026 (Harris County – January 25, 2026) - Due to anticipated severe winter weather, Harris County will close all public-facing services on Monday, January 26, 2026, including libraries, courts, and jury duty, to protect public safety. County operations will continue internally, and residents are encouraged to visit ReadyHarris.org or text FREEZE to 888777 for updates and information on warming centers. Read More press room
Deck Your Yard With Texas Native Plants This Holiday Season! 12/23/2025 12/23/2025 (Harris County, TX – December 23, 2025) - Just in time for the holiday season, Harris County is offering residents something that keeps on growing. Harris County Sprouts Free Seed Libraries at Every Harris County Public Library Branch. Read More press room
Harris County Releases Cost Estimates For Astrodome Options 12/19/2025 12/19/2025 (Harris County – December 19, 2025) — Harris County has received cost estimates outlining two potential paths for the Astrodome, renovation and demolition. Commissioners Court and County leaders have long emphasized the importance of having this data to make informed, responsible decisions about the Astrodome’s future. Read More press room
SEED Kick-Off: Cultivating Community and Climate Action in Harris County 11/19/2025 11/19/2025 Harris County – (November 19, 2025) - The Harris County Office of Sustainability and partners invite the community to a Nov. 20 SEED Kick-Off event showcasing local leaders’ climate-justice initiatives and offering opportunities for connection and collaboration. Read More press room
Celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15 at the North Channel Branch Library – Safely Recycle Your Old Electronics and Drop Off Food Waste for Composting! 11/15/2025 11/15/2025 (Harris County, TX – November 12, 2025) – Celebrate America Recycles Day by giving your electronics and food waste a new life! The North Channel Branch Library, in collaboration with the Houston Zoo, Moonshot Compost, and the Harris County Public Library, invites the community to an electronics recycling and community food waste drop-off event on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Read More press room
Harris County Invites the Community to “Turn Over A New Leaf” at Fall Compost & Electronics Recycling Events 11/05/2025 11/05/2025 Harris County, TX – November 5, 2025 — This autumn, the Harris County community is invited to “turn over a new leaf” at a series of fun, hands-on sustainability events across Houston.The Community Compost and Electronics Recycling Drop-Off Pilot Program, running October 29 through November 25, 2025, offers residents and employees the opportunity to learn, engage, and make a lasting impact on the environment. Read More press room
Harris County Report Provides Key Recommendations to Address Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System 10/03/2025 10/03/2025 Harris County – (October 3, 2025) - The RAND study outlines key areas for improvement and recommends steps such as enhancing data transparency, reviewing bail practices, and strengthening public defense resources. County leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fairness, accountability, and ongoing reforms to build a safer and more equitable justice system for all residents. Read More press room
Harris County Commissioners Court Approves FY26 Budget, Balancing County Deficit 09/24/2025 09/24/2025 Harris County – (September 24, 2025) - Harris County Commissioners Court has approved the FY26 General Fund Budget, ensuring continued support for essential services across 70 departments. The approved budget invests in our community through pay parity, public safety, and flood control improvements. Read More press room
Harris County Proposes FY26 Budget Focused on Smart Spending, Public Safety, and Service Expansion 08/14/2025 08/14/2025 Harris County – (August 14, 2025) - Harris County’s proposed FY26 budget funds core services, expands justice and flood control programs, and maintains the county’s top credit rating despite fiscal challenges. Read More press room
National Justice Leader Dr. christian bijoux to Keynote 2025 Mindful Justice Conference in Harris County 06/10/2025 06/10/2025 Harris County, TX – (June 10, 2025) - Mindful Justice Conference will be hosted on June 17–18, 2025 at the Houston Food Bank, featuring national youth justice leader Dr. christian h. bijoux as keynote speaker. The event will explore community-driven approaches to safety and justice through panels, workshops, and storytelling. Read More press room
Harris County Residents Now Have A New Opportunity To Go Solar Through The “Switch Together” Campaign 04/29/2025 04/29/2025 Harris County – (April 29, 2025) - The Harris County Office of Sustainability, part of the Office of County Administration (OCA), is proud to help promote a new opportunity for residents to access lower-cost, renewable energy options through Switch Together, a solar group purchasing program in partnership with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and Harris County. Read More press room
Harris County Commissioners Court Appoints Jesse Dickerman As Interim County Administrator 04/21/2025 04/21/2025 Harris County – (April 21, 2025) – Harris County Commissioners Court has appointed Jesse Dickerman to serve as Interim County Administrator, bringing extensive experience in public administration, energy policy, and managing complex county projects. Read More press room
Harris County Grows a Greener Future with Its First-Ever Climate Justice Plan 04/14/2025 04/14/2025 (Harris County, TX – April 14, 2025) – Harris County is turning up the heat on climate action with a groundbreaking new plan that promises to lead the way in building a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. The Harris County Climate Justice Plan is a collaborative effort involving the Office of County Administration’s Office of Sustainability and the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER). This initiative seeks to create a comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change while ensuring that all residents benefit from a sustainable future. Read More press room
Repair, Reuse, Recycle: Harris County Repair Cafes Contribute to Sustainability 03/04/2025 03/04/2025 (Harris County, TX – March 4, 2025) – Do you have a broken toaster or a favorite blazer in need of mending? Bring it to the Repair Cafe! Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and the Office of County Administration (OCA) are teaming up to help breathe new life into everyday household items while promoting sustainable living. The 2025 HCPL Repair Cafe schedule has been released, with events taking place at four HCPL branches. During these events, volunteer “repair coaches” will help return some common household items back to working order. Read More press room
Harris County’s Climate Action Plan Yields Significant Sustainability Process 02/07/2025 02/07/2025 (Harris County, TX – February 7, 2025) – Harris County is proud to announce significant strides in sustainability through the Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Internal Operations. In its second year of implementation, the plan has delivered notable progress, from groundbreaking fleet electrification efforts to widespread energy savings. These efforts reflect the County's commitment to environmental stewardship, cost efficiency, and a sustainable future for its residents. Read More press roommedianews
Harris County Obligates 100% of ARPA Funds 12/11/2024 12/11/2024 Harris County – (December 11, 2024) – Harris County is excited to announce that Commissioners Court has obligated 100% of the $915 million allocated to the County by the U.S. Treasury following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA was enacted in March 2021 to provide direct relief to American communities and address the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under ARPA guidelines, funds must be obligated to programs or investments by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026. Harris County’s investments reflect an ongoing commitment to building a dynamic, vibrant, and resilient community through strategic investments. Read More press roommedianews
Harris County Passes First-Ever Countywide Strategic Plan 10/29/2024 10/29/2024 (Harris County, October 29, 2024) – After more than eight months of development, on Tuesday Harris County Commissioners Court approved the County’s first strategic plan. The plan, which is for the five-year period ending at the conclusion of Fiscal Year 2029, was developed with input from County departments, community stakeholder organizations, and residents. Read More press room
Harris County ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. for equitable ARPA spending 09/24/2024 09/24/2024 (Harris County – September 24, 2024) – A new multiyear study conducted by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy (the Institute) at The New School identified Harris County as a national leader in investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to advance equity. Harris County scored in the top 20 of 170 U.S. cities and counties evaluated by the Institute’s Budget Equity Project, which examined how local governments across the U.S. are investing flexible recovery funds from ARPA to support racial and economic equity in their communities. Read More press room
Harris County And CEER Partner To Host Climate Justice Planning Community Meetings 09/05/2024 09/05/2024 (Harris County, TX) – September 4, 2024 — What does a climate-just future look like for Harris County? Join the Office of County Administration’s Sustainability team and Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER) at our upcoming community meetings to help answer and shape the plan together. Read More press room
Harris County Unveils Proposed Budget Prioritizing Public Safety, Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Equity 08/15/2024 08/15/2024 (Harris County, TX) – August 15, 2024—The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has submitted its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Aligned to the newly adopted Harris County strategic plan framework, this budget supports defined goals, objectives, and initiatives to guide Harris County toward sustainable, equitable growth. Read More press room
Harris County Unveils the 2024 ARPA Recovery Plan 08/01/2024 08/01/2024 (Harris County – August 7, 2024) – Harris County is excited to announce that the 2024 Harris County ARPA Recovery Plan is now available at harriscountyarpa.org! This annual report highlights Harris County’s investment achievements to date, outlining the county’s ongoing commitment to building a dynamic, vibrant, and resilient community through strategic investments funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Read More press room
Harris County Unveils First-Ever Countywide Strategic Framework 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 (Harris County, April 24, 2024) - On Tuesday, the Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved its first-ever Strategic Framework. The framework—which includes a purpose statement, a vision statement, guiding principles, goals, community indicators, and objectives—sets the direction that Commissioners Court envisions for Harris County and gives County departments clear context to work to achieve the County’s highest priorities over the next five years. Read More press room
Texas Solar For All Coalition, Led By Harris County, Awarded Landmark $249.7 Million Solar Grant 04/22/2024 04/22/2024 (Harris County, TX) – April 22, 2024 — Today, Harris County and the Texas Solar for All Coalition (Coalition) were awarded a $249.7 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Read More press room
Harris County Commissioners Court Appoints Holly María Flynn Vilaseca to METRO Board of Directors 02/29/2024 02/29/2024 (Harris County – March 1, 2024) - This week Harris County Commissioners Court appointed Holly María Flynn Vilaseca to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) Board of Directors. Read More press room
Harris County Receives $515,000 Grant from Houston Endowment to Establish Language Access Program 02/28/2024 02/28/2024 (Harris County, TX) – February 28, 2024 — Following approval from the Commissioners Court, Harris County is poised to enhance accessibility and inclusivity with the allocation of a $515,000 grant from the Houston Endowment to establish a Language Access Program (LAP) led by the Office of County Administration’s Research and Analysis Division (RAD). Read More press room
Harris County Celebrates Milestones in Inaugural Climate Action Plan Implementation Report 01/31/2024 01/31/2024 (Harris County, TX) – January 30, 2024 — Reporting on a year of progress, Harris County unveils the significant achievements of its Climate Action Plan for Internal Operations (CAP) implementation for the inaugural year, marking strides toward sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Read More press room
Harris County Announces New Deputy County Administrator Leah Barton Named Deputy County Administrator of the Office of County Administration 01/17/2024 01/17/2024 (Harris County, January 17, 2024) - Harris County is pleased to announce the appointment of Leah Barton as the Deputy County Administrator, a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of County Administration (OCA). Read More press room
Harris County Commissioners Court Unanimously Approves New Harris County Strategic Planning Process 11/03/2023 11/03/2023 (Harris County, November 3, 2023) - On Tuesday, Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the launch of a countywide strategic planning process that aims to provide a vision for Harris County's future that aligns budgeting with priorities, supports further transparency in County operations and works with the public, and connects County employees' work to the County’s strategic direction. This plan will represent a collective commitment of Commissioners Court and County departments, with valuable input from the community as well. Read More press room
Harris County Streamlines Research and Analysis Departments, Enhancing Efficiency and Collaboration 10/26/2023 10/26/2023 (Harris County, October 26, 2023) – Harris County is pleased to announce a strategic organizational change aimed at optimizing the delivery of research and analysis services for the Harris County Commissioners Court. In an effort to enhance efficiency, promote collaboration, and better serve our community, two key departments, the Harris County Commissioner’s Court Analyst’s Office and the Office of Justice & Safety are merging to form a single, comprehensive division under the Office of County Administration. The new Division will be renamed, the Research and Analysis Division (RAD). Read More press room
Harris County Commissioners Court boosts early learning initiatives with child care quality improvement grants 10/19/2023 10/19/2023 Harris County, October 19, 2023) - Early childhood plays a crucial role in the development of young minds, setting the foundation for future success. Harris County Commissioners Court has awarded five organizations a combined total of $18.8 million to improve child care quality over the next three years via the Early Learning Quality Networks (ELQN) initiative. Read More press room
Harris County announces four distinguished women as Executive Directors, serving the diverse needs of our community 10/06/2023 10/06/2023 (Harris County – October 6, 2023) - Harris County is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished individuals to crucial Executive Director positions within the county government. Read More press room
HARRIS COUNTY’S RACIAL AND ETHNIC EQUITY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN THE HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM 03/24/2023 03/24/2023 HARRIS COUNTY – (March 21, 2023) The Centering [Racial] Disparity and Highlighting Fairness in the Harris County Criminal Justice System Conference will feature New York Times Bestselling Author and Distinguished Professor, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Read More press roommedianews
Harris County Commissioners Court approves plan for 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 01/11/2023 01/11/2023 (Harris County, TX) – January 11, 2023 — Yesterday, Commissioners Court approved the County’s first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) for internal operations. Read More press room
HARRIS COUNTY MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM IS HELPING TO REDUCE CRIME 09/08/2022 09/08/2022 HARRIS COUNTY– (September 8, 2022) – Harris County continues to see positive results from the misdemeanor bail reforms implemented over two years ago through the ODonnellConsent Decree. The independent monitors overseeing Harris County’s historic misdemeanor reform filed their fifth report on September 3, 2022. Read More press roommedianews
THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY (OJS) SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GRANTS 09/05/2022 09/05/2022 HARRIS COUNTY (September 4, 2022) – The Office of Justice and Safety (OJS) is seeking proposals from qualifying organizations for Community Engagement grants. The grants will provide funding for direct services that are preventative interventions to incarceration and provide: crime prevention and decreasing recidivism by providing support to those that are justice-involved. Read More press roommedianews
THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT (JAD) ANNOUNCES INTERMEDIARY FOR THE YOUTH JUSTICE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND 05/05/2022 05/05/2022 HARRIS COUNTY– (May 5, 2022) – How do you reduce the incarceration and detention of youth and in particular, young people of color in Harris County? Engaging in a pilot program, the Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund, that aims to shift the focus from locking up young people who may be at risk of getting into trouble with the law to investing in community solutions to prevent crime. Read More press roommedianews
HARRIS COUNTY MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM IS HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COUNTY 03/16/2022 03/16/2022 HARRIS COUNTY– (March 16, 2022) – Harris County is seeing positive results from the misdemeanor bail reforms implemented two years ago through the ODonnell Consent Decree. The independent monitors (led by Professor Brandon Garrett from Duke University) overseeing Harris County's historic misdemeanor bail reform recently presented their findings from their regular report to the ODonnell court to Commissioners Court. Read More press roommedianews
HARRIS COUNTY LAUNCHES A ONE-OF-A-KIND DASHBOARD THAT INCREASES TRANSPARENCY ON BAIL BONDSMEN, MISDEMEANOR, AND FELONY BAIL 02/23/2022 02/23/2022 HARRIS COUNTY– (February 23, 2022) – Harris County releases a first-of-its-kind bail data dashboard. The bail bond system can be complex and involves numerous stakeholders throughout the criminal justice system Read More press roommedianews
Harris County Commissioners Court Approves JAD’s Candidate Recommendations to Serve on the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) 11/10/2021 11/10/2021 HARRIS COUNTY – (November 10, 2021) – Every 68 seconds, an individual is sexually assaulted in the United States, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). Read More press roommedianews
Harris County Commissioners Court Approves JAD’s Advisory Model Policy That Strengthens The U visa Certification Process 10/13/2021 10/13/2021 HARRIS COUNTY– (October 13, 2021) –The Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted an advisory model U visa policy for others to follow. Read More press roommedianews
JAD Seeking Proposals for Community Engagement Grants 09/16/2021 09/16/2021 HARRIS COUNTY– (September 16, 2021) – The Justice Administration Department (JAD) is seeking proposals from qualifying organizations for Community Engagement grants. Read More press roommedianews
ONE FOR ALL PODCAST: PRESENTING THE NEW HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: DAVE BERRY 07/27/2021 07/27/2021 This episode of One For All features a special guest, Harris County's first ever County Administrator- Dave Berry.At the end of June, Harris County Commissioners Court approved the creation of a County Administrator to help improve efficiency among the county's different departments.In county corner, we go over some of the more than 20 departments that the County Administrator will help organize. Read More press room
JAD Unveils Statewide Traffic Stop Data Dashboard in Response to Study Revealing Need for System and Data Improvements 07/21/2021 07/21/2021 Justice Administration Department (JAD) presented findings to Commissioners Court on traffic stops' gender and racial demographics in Harris County. Read More press roommedianews
The Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD) Launches Application in Search for Intermediary for the Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund. 05/12/2021 05/12/2021 HARRIS COUNTY– (May 12, 2021) – the Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD) is now seeking proposals from qualifying organizations to serve as the intermediary for the Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Funds. Read More press room
Harris County awarded additional $500,000 by MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge to rethink local justice system 04/28/2021 04/28/2021 HARRIS COUNTY (April 28, 2021) – Harris County is the recipient of a $500,000 grant by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Harris County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Read More press room
Learn About the County Request for Proposal (RFP) Process with the Harris County Justice Administration Department and Redefining Youth Justice Coalition 04/12/2021 04/12/2021 The Justice Administration Department (JAD), Redefining Youth Justice Coalition, and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department invite community members to engage in free Coach Up sessions. The Coach Ups are meant to assist interested community members in navigating the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Read More press roommedianews
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS ANNOUNCE A NEW STRATEGY TO REFORM THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN HARRIS COUNTY 03/09/2021 03/09/2021 The Harris County Judge’s Office, Harris County Juvenile Probation, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the Harris County Justice Administration Department, and other community stakeholders have recently completed a Critical Intervention Mapping of the Harris County juvenile justice system. The Critical Intervention Map serves as a framework for juvenile justice and mental health systems to use when developing strategies to improve mental health services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Read More press room
MEMO RELEASE STATES THAT MISDEAMONOR BAIL REFORM IS NOT CONTRIBUTING TO AN INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME IN HARRIS COUNTY 03/03/2021 03/03/2021 Harris County, Texas’ most populous county, changed its bail practices for misdemeanor defendants between 2017 and 2019 following a lawsuit challenging cash bail. This memo provides an overview of the implementation of the ODonnell Consent Decree, general trends in violent crime across the country, in the city of Houston, and Harris County. The report also describes the Justice Administration Department’s approach to addressing violence and supporting crime survivors. Read More press room
HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE FIRST OF ITS KIND COMMUNITY-LED MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR YOUTH JUSTICE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND 02/10/2021 02/10/2021 The Harris County Commissioners Court approved on Tuesday a groundbreaking multi-million dollar Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund. Read More press room
KENNETH HARDIN SELECTED TO LEAD HARRIS COUNTY’S FIRST MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSEL PROGRAM 12/17/2020 12/17/2020 HARRIS COUNTY– (October 13, 2020) – The Harris County Commissioners Court took a giant step toward criminal justice reform today in naming a director for the county’s first-ever Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) program. Read More press room
The Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD) Launches RFP to conduct a Racial and Ethnic Disparity Study 12/17/2020 12/17/2020 The Justice Administration Department (JAD) is now seeking proposals from qualifying organizations to conduct a racial and ethnic disparity study on the Harris County criminal justice system. Read More press room
The Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD) Launches Application Program for Microgrants to Aide in Community Engagement Programs 12/13/2020 12/13/2020 The Justice Administration Department (JAD) is now seeking proposals from qualifying organizations for microgrants. The grants are meant to expand the capacity of organizations currently providing support to justice-involved individuals, youth, and survivors of crime by awarding them microgrants. Read More press room
Kenneth's Interview - VIDEO 10/16/2020 10/16/2020 The Harris County Commissioners Court voted unanimously this week to name, Kenneth Hardin as director for the county’s first-ever Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) program. Isiah Carey welcomed Hardin on his FOX 26 HOUSTON program, The Isiah Factor to discuss his new role, MAC, criminal justice reform. Read More press room