A historic nomination

Support for survivors of domestic violence

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we are spotlighting the impact of the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) in Harris County. Established in 2022, this program helps provide immediate financial assistance for basic needs to those fleeing violence. In 2023, 1,331 households, with a total of 3,960 individuals within those households received this financial assistance. Click here to hear how the DVAF is transforming lives.

We are also putting a spotlight on client advocate, Wendy Arias, from Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA). This organization provides legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Click here to meet Wendy and why she has dedicated her career to help individuals and families in their journeys towards a safe, healthy life.

Commissioner Garcia and the Precinct 2 team wish Deputy Ruth Recio of the Harris County Sheriff's Office a happy retirement. Recio is a U.S. Army veteran and the first deputy in the Military Liaison Office. She leaves a legacy of compassion for her dedication to supporting her fellow deputies and veterans. Commissioner Garcia was honored to present a resolution commending her for service in the Commissioner's Court.

This year, Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the adoption of a tax rate that is higher than the current Voter Approval Rate (VAR). This requires an election by Harris County voters to either approve or reject the adopted rate. The proposition will appear on the ballot during this election.

If approved by voters, Flood Control District Proposition A would increase the Flood Control District’s dedicated ad valorem tax rate by 1.581 cents per $100 – an average of about $60 a year for the average homeowner in Harris County. This additional funding would be used for the maintenance of flood risk reduction infrastructure across Harris County.

The Harris County Flood Control District hosted in-person and virtual public meetings throughout October. To watch a recording of one of the virtual meetings, click here.

You can find FAQs on Proposition A by clicking here or visiting www.hcfcd.org/PropA

This month, Commissioner Garcia hosted Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz at Leonel Castillo Community Center to highlight the impact of Employ2Empower. This program began in Precinct 2 in 2021 under the leadership of Commissioner Garcia and in partnership with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Career and Recovery Resources. It provides job opportunities and support services to individuals impacted by homelessness. Employ2Empower has since expanded throughout the county.



Want to learn more? Watch this video!

This month we joined the Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD)to mark the beginning of two new affordable housing developments in Precinct 2. First is the exciting transformation on Hays Street. With the help of American Rescue Plan Art (ARPA) funding, the former Yellow Cab building will become home to affordable housing units to provide families the opportunity to thrive in the Near Northside community. Click here to view more photos of the demolition.

Second, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Meadowbrook Plaza Project with HCD. This will create 220 new multi-family housing affordable units. The Harris County Housing Finance Corporation will own the land and the project will enter a 99-year ground lease, which will keep the project affordable for 99-years.

Commissioner Adrian Garcia is dedicated to making Precinct 2 the best place to live, work, and play for everyone. Our Revive2Thrive initiative focuses on investments in infrastructure and economic opportunity that are guided by a dynamic community planning process. We want residents to help shape the future of their neighborhoods.

Ready to get involved? Join us for a community meeting. The next one is November 18 at 6:00 PM to discuss the construction of the public sanitary sewer lines in Westfield Estates. The meeting will be held at East Aldine Town Center, Room A (2909 E Aldine Amphitheatre Drive, Houston, TX 77039).

We invite you to attend this public meeting to learn more and talk about construction requirements for connecting to the sanitary sewer line and what to expect.

Q: Describe your role and how it impacts Precinct 2 residents.

A: My role within Harris County Precinct 2, is being the liaison between the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Precinct 2. I also work with all the other law enforcement agencies that are found within the Harris County Precinct 2 area...READ MORE

Q: This month we celebrated National Night Out. What do you enjoy most about NNO?

A: I enjoy celebrating National Night Out because it gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of residents. I get to meet residents that normally don’t call the police to their dwelling. I get to interact with family and children in a positive environment...READ MORE

In the last month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:

Street lights: Commissioners Court approved an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to provide street lights in unincorporated Harris County. This agreement ensures CenterPoint Energy will furnish, install, own, and maintain street lighting within the project limits, enhancing safety for our community.

Homeless management information system: Commissioner Garcia was proud to support the agenda item that creates a Data Use and Security Agreement with the Coalition for the Homeless. This agreement enables the County Administration's Research and Analysis Division to access the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). With this data, the County can better analyze the needs of unhoused individuals using county services and determine the overall costs of assisting those experiencing homelessness.

Improvements to Challenger 7 Memorial Park: Commissioners Court approved the Challenger 7 Memorial Park Boardwalk project. This project is part of planned upgrades to the park which include a new playground, a floating kayak launch, and more.

Armand Bayou expansion: Commissioner Court approved an agreement between ExxonMobil, Armand Bayou Nature Center, and Harris County to acquire 1,137 acres of land for the purpose of conservation.

New sewer system: Commissioners Court approved the bid to build a sanitary sewer system, lift station, and force main for the Westfield Estates Subdivision in Precinct 2.

Resolutions

• Honoring the life of Dr. Tatcho Mindiola: Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution honoring Dr. Tatcho Mindiola's for his dedication to education and civic engagement for the Latino community.

• Recognizing American Diabetes Month in Harris County: Commissioners Court recognized November as American Diabetes Month to raise awareness about the disease. With nearly 1 in 10 Americans affected and 1 in 3 at risk for type 2 diabetes, prevention and early detection are critical. Harris County Public Health, through its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), provides education and resources to help residents manage and prevent diabetes.

Why were Deer Park residents left in the dark for hours following deadly gas leak at Pemex refinery?

Harris County approves $800K for the construction of Houston’s first Latino Museum

Port Houston handles largest container vessel to date

Pct. 2 resident, 100-years young, casts his vote

Halloween fun in Precinct 2

Commissioner Garcia joins U.S. Army recruitment efforts