In response to rising violent crime correlated to bail bond policies, a former constable and commissioner called three members of the Harris County Commissioners Court “a disgrace.”
Crime Stoppers of Houston announced the launch of a new crime research initiative in response to an increase in homicides.
While rejecting the possibility of intervention prior to the 2022 primary election, the narrow ruling left the door open for future consideration of the constitutionality of Harris County’s redistricting map.
Complying with a request from Lina Hidalgo, county analysts have recommended using federal COVID-19 relief funds to directly pay for abortions or ancillary services.
Under a redistricting plan adopted by Harris County, 1.1 million residents who were slated to vote for a commissioner in 2022 will not be able to vote until 2024.
Emulating programs in Seattle and Madison, Harris County will enact new equity policies for hiring, contracting, and providing county services to residents.
In a move one commissioner called “vindictive,” Democrats will “swap” two Republican precincts while expanding power to raise taxes and consolidate services under the county judge.
A slew of flood mitigation projects promised when the county sought voter approval for a $2.5 billion bond package in 2018 may be defunded due to a request from Commissioner Garcia.
Commissioner Tom Ramsey called a map proposed by Rodney Ellis “the most corrupt plan I've ever seen in my 45 years of doing work in Harris County.”
The county will invest in planting trees, adding streetlights and sidewalks, and cleaning up vacant lots in a program designed to reduce the dramatic rise in violent crime.
As the county grapples with a daunting case backlog and a jail at capacity, violent suspects released on bond continue to pose challenges for public safety.
Although the county has already paid $539,000, a firestorm of controversy over a contract awarded to a well-connected Democrat has prompted county Judge Hidalgo to agree to seek cancellation.
