Harris County Unveils First-Ever Countywide Strategic Framework 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 Read More Pressrelease
Texas Solar For All Coalition, Led By Harris County, Awarded Landmark $249.7 Million Solar Grant 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 Read More Pressrelease
Detention Officer Hiring Study Detention Officer Hiring Study 04/16/2024 04/16/2024 The OCA-Research and Analysis Division (RAD) published a report on detention officer hiring practices in eleven Texas and non-Texas counties. RAD found that Harris County has the fifth lowest detention officer vacancy rate (11.0%). Read More Read More Reports
Celebrating Women's History Month Celebrating Women's History Month 03/19/2024 03/19/2024 Join us as the Office of Harris County Administration celebrates Women's History Month by highlighting the remarkable endeavors within our community aimed at empowering women. Guests include Ellen Cohen, Chair of the Harris County Women's Commission, Santrice Jones, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives with the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, and Sergeant Melissa Barajas from the Women's Empowerment Center at the Harris County Sheriff's Office @HarriscountysoOrg . Tune in for an insightful discussion on fostering empowerment and equality for women in Harris County. Read More Read More Video
Harris County Commissioners Court Appoints Holly María Flynn Vilaseca to METRO Board of Directors 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County Receives $515,000 Grant from Houston Endowment to Establish Language Access Program 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County Celebrates Milestones in Inaugural Climate Action Plan Implementation Report 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 Read More Pressrelease
First Annual Report on the Harris County Climate Action Plan for Internal Operations First Annual Report on the Harris County Climate Action Plan for Internal Operations 01/30/2024 01/30/2024 In January 2023, the Commissioners Court adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Internal Operations, targeting a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The plan focused on cutting emissions, lowering expenses, and boosting resilience across Buildings & Energy, Clean Fleet & Commuting, and Sustainable Procurement & Waste Management.While 2023 served as a starting point in operationalizing this plan, there are some key highlights in this report to showcase early successes in the CAP implementation phase. Read More Read More Reports
Harris County Announces New Deputy County Administrator Leah Barton Named Deputy County Administrator of the Office of County Administration 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County Commissioners Court Unanimously Approves New Harris County Strategic Planning Process 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County Streamlines Research and Analysis Departments, Enhancing Efficiency and Collaboration 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County Commissioners Court boosts early learning initiatives with child care quality improvement grants 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County announces four distinguished women as Executive Directors, serving the diverse needs of our community 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 Read More Pressrelease
Youth Diversion Center Ribbon Cutting Youth Diversion Center Ribbon Cutting 05/25/2023 05/25/2023 The Harris Center has posted a video of the ribbon cutting. Please check it out. Read More Read More
Harris County Youth Diversion Center aimed to help youth in crisis celebrates its grand opening Harris County Youth Diversion Center aimed to help youth in crisis celebrates its grand opening 05/25/2023 05/25/2023 (Harris County, TX) – May 25, 2023 — The Harris County YouthDiversion Center held their grand opening on May 15, 2023. Read More Read More
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on race in Harris County criminal justice Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on race in Harris County criminal justice 05/08/2023 05/08/2023 Read More Read More
Director of Sustainability, Lisa Lin speaks with Cleartrace podcast Director of Sustainability, Lisa Lin speaks with Cleartrace podcast 04/17/2023 04/17/2023 Scaling Up Local Government’s Sustainability Ambitions with Harris County’s Lisa Lin. Read More Read More Podcast
Harris County designated “SolSmart Silver” for solar energy leadership Harris County designated “SolSmart Silver” for solar energy leadership 04/06/2023 04/06/2023 (Harris County, TX) – April 6, 2023 — Harris County Commissioners Court announced this week that the County received, for the first time, the Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of clean, affordable solar energy at the local level. Read More Read More
Harris County working with SolSmart program Harris County working with SolSmart program 03/20/2023 03/20/2023 Harris County is taking bold steps to make solar energy accessible and widespread to help reduce energy costs, achieve sustainability goals, and promote economic growth. Read More Read More
Harris County Commissioners Court approves plan for 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 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 Read More Pressrelease
Harris County’s Climate Action Plan for internal operations Harris County’s Climate Action Plan for internal operations 01/11/2023 01/11/2023 (Harris County, TX) – January 10, 2023 – Now more than ever, accelerated decarbonization to 2030 is feasible as industries retool for clean technology development, and historical federal funding spurs innovation and the widespread adoption of climate action. Read More Read More Reports
Harris County youth justice reinvestment fund touted as model Harris County youth justice reinvestment fund touted as model 12/21/2022 12/21/2022 Read More Read More
Violent crime in Harris County is trending downward Violent crime in Harris County is trending downward 10/25/2022 10/25/2022 (Harris County, TX) – October 25, 2022-- In a presentation to the Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, the Office of County Administration will give an update on the violent crime rate in Harris County, reporting a 12% overall drop in violent crime countywide compared to this time in 2021. Read More Read More
Criminal Case Backlog and Violent Crime Reduction Update Criminal Case Backlog and Violent Crime Reduction Update 10/25/2022 10/25/2022 Presentation from Commissioners Court, October 25th, 2022. Read More Read More
Harris County launches Youth Reinvestment Fund to prevent crime Harris County launches Youth Reinvestment Fund to prevent crime 05/06/2022 05/06/2022 Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other county leaders announced a new $4 million initiative May 5 to help reduce crime and address racial disparities in juvenile detention. According to a news release, the program will prioritize investment in communities with high rates of juvenile justice referrals. Read More Read More
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announces $4M initiative aimed at helping area’s youth Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announces $4M initiative aimed at helping area’s youth 05/05/2022 05/05/2022 HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s Office announced an initiative aimed at reducing crime across Harris County. Read More Read More
Harris County announces $4 million Youth Reinvestment Fund to combat youth gun violence Harris County announces $4 million Youth Reinvestment Fund to combat youth gun violence 05/05/2022 05/05/2022 HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County leaders discussed a new, multi-million dollar crime prevention program at a press conference on Thursday. Read More Read More
Independent monitors report Harris County bail reform not contributing to crime increase Independent monitors report Harris County bail reform not contributing to crime increase 03/18/2022 03/18/2022 The Harris County Justice Administration Department reported recent bail reforms for those who have committed misdemeanors have positively affected the community, according to a March 16 news release. Read More Read More
Harris County’s misdemeanor bail reforms are working, a new report finds Harris County’s misdemeanor bail reforms are working, a new report finds 03/18/2022 03/18/2022 Harris County bail reforms enacted two years ago have not led to an increase in crime or recidivism rates, according to a new federal monitor’s report. Read More Read More
HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOCUSES ON COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOCUSES ON COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE 03/09/2022 03/09/2022 On March 9th the West Houston Association (WHA) hosted a Harris County Update with David Berry who recently assumed the newly created role of Harris County Administrator. Utilizing a fireside chat style format, Alia Vinson, partner with Allen Boone Humphries Robinson and WHA Executive Committee member, moderated the discussion and took questions from the audience. Read More Read More News
New bail dashboard offers look at trends in Harris County criminal courts New bail dashboard offers look at trends in Harris County criminal courts 03/01/2022 03/01/2022 Read More Read More
Texas County Hopes Online Dashboard Eases Crime Concerns Texas County Hopes Online Dashboard Eases Crime Concerns 02/24/2022 02/24/2022 Read More Read More
Father of teen killed while leaving Astros game helps unveil Harris County Bail Dashboard Father of teen killed while leaving Astros game helps unveil Harris County Bail Dashboard 02/24/2022 02/24/2022 Read More Read More
New bail bond dashboard in Harris County New bail bond dashboard in Harris County 02/24/2022 02/24/2022 Read More Read More
Harris County Commissioner unveils new online bail dashboard for public view Harris County Commissioner unveils new online bail dashboard for public view 02/24/2022 02/24/2022 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- In response to the ongoing issues with the bail bonds system, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia has introduced a new online system that will allow the public to view the data from the bond system. Read More Read More
Stakeholders use data to address Harris County’s criminal justice system challenges Stakeholders use data to address Harris County’s criminal justice system challenges 02/07/2022 02/07/2022 Local agencies are working together to improve Harris County’s criminal justice system—a system experts said is overwhelmed with a backlog of cases and discriminates against low-income residents and people of color. Read More Read More
Harris County Welcomes Nationally Recognized Leader as Deputy County Administrator for Justice & Safety Harris County Welcomes Nationally Recognized Leader as Deputy County Administrator for Justice & Safety 01/31/2022 01/31/2022 Harris County is proud to welcome Perrye K. Turner, Sr. as its first Deputy County Administrator for Justice & Safety. Read More Read More News
Harris County hires new budget director, county engineer, flood control district head Harris County hires new budget director, county engineer, flood control district head 01/25/2022 01/25/2022 Today, Harris County is proud to announce the hiring of three experienced officials to serve in key leadership positions. Read More Read More Podcast
Harris County Names Experienced Leaders in Key Positions Harris County Names Experienced Leaders in Key Positions 01/25/2022 01/25/2022 Today, Harris County is proud to announce the hiring of three experienced officials to serve in key leadership positions Read More Read More Video
TECHTALK WITH GUEST DAVID BERRY TECHTALK WITH GUEST DAVID BERRY 12/02/2021 12/02/2021 Harris County’s Office of County Administrator appeared on TechTalk to talk about his role, vision, and goals for the third-largest county in the United States. Read More Read More
Harris County Justice Administration releases local crime trends and comparisons Harris County Justice Administration releases local crime trends and comparisons 11/17/2021 11/17/2021 HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KIAH) The crime rate data for Harris County and other counties in Texas are sourced from the Texas Department of Public Safety Website, which is available for public use. Law enforcement agencies submit this data to the DPS, and this is made readily accessible on their website – https://txucr.nibrs.com/Report/IndexCrimesReport. The data for large counties in the US are sourced from various public websites, which are also available for public view/use. Read More Read More
Harris County Commissioners approve best practices to help immigrant crime victims Harris County Commissioners approve best practices to help immigrant crime victims 10/12/2021 10/12/2021 Read More Read More
Idea to reduce backlog by dismissing thousands of felony cases proves too far for Harris County Idea to reduce backlog by dismissing thousands of felony cases proves too far for Harris County 09/19/2021 09/19/2021 The number of criminal cases pending before Harris County courts stands at more than 94,000. That includes 41,000 misdemeanors and 53,000 felonies, numbers so high that if prosecutors stopped filing criminal charges tomorrow, it would take misdemeanor judges a year to clear their dockets; felony judges would need 19 months, based on their average pace for closing cases since 2017. Read More Read More
ONE FOR ALL PODCAST: PRESENTING THE NEW HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: DAVE BERRY 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 Read More Pressrelease
Why Harris County Leaders Created The Position Of County Administrator Why Harris County Leaders Created The Position Of County Administrator 07/08/2021 07/08/2021 Last week, Harris County Commissioners Court voted three-to-two along party lines to create a new position: county administrator. The first person named to the post was David Berry, who for the moment also retains his prior role as the county's chief budget officer.However, the appointment was not without controversy, so Houston Public Media spoke with Berry about why Harris County needed this role and what exactly a county administrator does. Read More Read More Reports
Harris County commission votes to reduce 100,000-case backlog Harris County commission votes to reduce 100,000-case backlog 06/29/2021 06/29/2021 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- On Tuesday, Harris County commissioners unanimously approved two measures to alleviate a massive criminal case backlog in Harris County. Commissioners voted to make improvements to technology, jury service and to add more judges. Read More Read More
Local leaders pitch plan to clear backlog of cases amid violent crime rise Local leaders pitch plan to clear backlog of cases amid violent crime rise 06/29/2021 06/29/2021 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Acknowledging the uptick in crime across Houston and Harris County throughout the pandemic, leaders spoke Monday morning about efforts to reduce the violence, pointing specifically to the courts and proposing a $14.8 million investment in public safety. Read More Read More
Harris County identifies racial disparities in use of force, citations from law enforcement agencies Harris County identifies racial disparities in use of force, citations from law enforcement agencies 06/09/2021 06/09/2021 The Harris County Justice Administration Department presented a report to Commissioners Court on June 8 following a unanimously approved motion for the department to “analyze existing racial profiling data produced by law enforcement” approximately one year earlier. Read More Read More
A year after George Floyd's death, it's time to turn rhetoric into meaningful action A year after George Floyd's death, it's time to turn rhetoric into meaningful action 05/25/2021 05/25/2021 Read More Read More
County officials take aim at increase in violent crime; Lake Houston area sees uptick amid pandemic County officials take aim at increase in violent crime; Lake Houston area sees uptick amid pandemic 04/26/2021 04/26/2021 Read More Read More
JAD’s Policy Analyst, Colin Cepuran, PhD talks with KPFT- 90.1 host, Richard Hanna on Bail Reform in Harris County JAD’s Policy Analyst, Colin Cepuran, PhD talks with KPFT- 90.1 host, Richard Hanna on Bail Reform in Harris County 04/15/2021 04/15/2021 Read More Read More
Houston Public Media speaks to JAD’s Deputy Director, Dr. Ana Yáñez Correa on a call for a Racial and Ethnic Disparity Study Houston Public Media speaks to JAD’s Deputy Director, Dr. Ana Yáñez Correa on a call for a Racial and Ethnic Disparity Study 04/15/2021 04/15/2021 Read More Read More
Harris County Crime Statistics and Bail Reform - Community Impact Newspaper Harris County Crime Statistics and Bail Reform - Community Impact Newspaper 04/01/2021 04/01/2021 A rise in violent crime in Harris County has local officials urgently seeking solutions to combat the trend. However, a debate over the origins of the increase—including a 43% year-to-date increase in murder and a 33% increase in aggravated assaults—has sparked questions of exactly what is to blame and what should be done. Read More Read More
Policy Analyst, Colin Cepuran, PhD joins Commissioner Ellis and Harris County Partners for "One for All" Podcast Policy Analyst, Colin Cepuran, PhD joins Commissioner Ellis and Harris County Partners for "One for All" Podcast 03/23/2021 03/23/2021 What even is county government? What's the difference between a county and a city? And why should I care about any of it? One for All is here to answer those questions and many more. The goal of this podcast is to demystify county government. We will be talking to different policy and community experts about issues concerning Harris County while breaking down what county government actually does. Here at Harris County Precinct One, we hope you follow along! Read More Read More
Senate Testimony for Bill SB-21 - News 88.7 - Houston Public Media Senate Testimony for Bill SB-21 - News 88.7 - Houston Public Media 03/18/2021 03/18/2021 A new GOP-backed bill in the Texas Senate to restrict the use of bail for certain defendants would put Harris County at risk of violating a federal mandate, according to testimony from a county official on Thursday. Read More Read More
Kenneth Hardin selected to lead Harris County's first managed assigned counsel program Kenneth Hardin selected to lead Harris County's first managed assigned counsel program 10/15/2020 10/15/2020 Isiah speaks with Kenneth Hardin, Executive Director of the Managed Assigned Counsel, as county commissioners take steps towards criminal justice reform. Read More Read More