County Judge Calls for Public Input on Budget

In her June 26 Court Recap video, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the county is facing a "challenging budget situation." She added, "We have done efficiency studies. We worked to, so to speak, trim the fat off of our programs. And so, what we're looking at are things like programs that our libraries provide that are very popular, or ending programs that help reduce recidivism among juveniles, etc. So, basically doing the bare minimum. And we're trying to protect what is most important."

She ended the video with advice to Harris County residents, "If you benefit from a particular county project or program that you'd like to see continue, just be attentive now that we're entering budget season. Come and advocate for that because major cuts are going to be made, and we really need to be able to protect the things that we need the most."

Ways to Make Your Concerns Known to County Commissioners

In-Person

Members of the public who attend the Commissioners Court meeting in-person may make comments by signing up to speak by completing an Appearance Request Form and submitting it by no later than one hour before the commencement of the meeting. Speakers may address the Commissioners Court for up to one (1) minute in total, notwithstanding how many agenda items the speaker signs up to comment on. Members of the public who sign up to speak about a topic that does not address a specific agenda item will also be limited to one (1) minute and will address the Court after all agenda-related comments have been made.

Commissioners Court meetings are held at 1001 Preston Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002 (unless otherwise noted in the agenda) [Directions]

For full details about Harris County Commissioners Court meetings and agendas, visit https://agenda.harriscountytx.gov/

Appearance Request Form

Email

Members of the public are also invited to email their written comments to Commissioners Court at CommissionersCourt@hctx.net.

Harris County residents can also email their Commissioners directly via email or phone.

Not sure who your County Commissioner is? Click HERE.

Town Halls

Precinct 3 Harris County Budget Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Tom Ramsey
Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m.
George H.W. Bush Community Center
6827 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379
[Directions]

Precinct 4 Virtual Town Hall with Commissioner Lesley Briones
Monday, July 28, 6:00 p.m.
Online Event
Register

Precinct 4 Budget Town Hall, Backpacks, & Ice Cream
Monday, August 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Freed Community Center
6818 Shadyvilla Ln. Houston TX 77055
[Directions]

Precinct 4 Budget Town Hall & Senior Resource Fair
Tuesday, August 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tracy Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston TX 77042
[Directions]

Precinct 2 Harris Health Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Adrian Garcia
Tuesday, August 5, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Flukinger Community Center
16003 Lorenzo St. Channelview TX 77530
[Directions]

Best Practices for Emailing an Elected Official

• Subject Line: Make it clear, concise, and informative, indicating your purpose. 
• Salutation: Use the appropriate formal title, such as "Dear Commissioner [Last Name]" 
• Introduction: State your name and address in the first paragraph, establishing yourself as a constituent. Briefly explain the purpose of your email.
• Body:                                 
  • Keep it brief: Aim for a maximum of 3 paragraphs or 500 words.
  • Focus on one issue: Address only one topic per email to ensure clarity.
  • Present your position clearly: State your opinion and the specific action you want the official to take.
  • Personalize your message: Share your personal story and explain how the issue affects you, your family, or your community. This humanizes your message and makes it more impactful.
  • Support your position with facts: Provide relevant data, evidence, and credible sources to bolster your argument.

• Closing: Reiterate your request and thank the official for their time and consideration.
• Signature: Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This allows the official's office to verify your constituency and respond to you.
• Be respectful and courteous: Avoid angry, emotional, or threatening language. Even when disagreeing with the official's stance, express your views politely and professionally.
• Be factual and avoid exaggeration: Stick to the truth and don't make unsubstantiated claims.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your email is free of spelling and grammar errors.