PrecinctUp2Date: April 2022 Edition

Protecting our parks, fighting for our families

As we mark World Health Day and Earth Day in April, Precinct 2 celebrates the strides we’ve made to make Precinct 2 a healthier, cleaner place for all. However, we also know there is much more to be done and the stakes are high.

Another concrete batch plant threatens the health and safety of our families near James Driver Park in East Aldine – Harris County’s first and only inclusive park. Many who come to James Driver Park an along the most vulnerable in our community.

On April 6, Commissioner Garcia along with other community leaders and health experts expressed their concern and opposition to the proposed plant. The following day, dozens of concerned residents and advocates packed the TCEQ public meeting.

Commissioner Garcia continues to work to push TCEQ to reject the plant’s permit.

Caring for planet

“We have to take care of the

most beautiful thing that was blessed to us.”

WATCH to meet Luciano, a Marine Corps veteran and one of Precinct 2’s caring, talented landscapers. Learn what Earth Day means to him.

What does it mean to you?

Tell us here!

Here2Serve: Precinct 2 team spotlight

Q&A with Kristen Lee

Senior Policy Advisor

Kristen is responsible for shepherding Commissioner Garcia’s environmental initiatives to fruition. She’s a longtime La Porte resident and proud to be raising her family in Precinct 2. READ MORE

Q: Describe the purpose of the Precinct 2 policy team and your role.

A: The policy team is made up of seven staff members, including five policy advisors, Policy Director Mercedes Sanchez and Senior Director Kris Banks. Each advisor is responsible for a piece of Commissioner Garcia’s public policy portfolio... READ MORE

Q: What are some of the major projects you’ve led?

A: One of Commissioners top priorities is developing a more resilient and sustainable approach to the way the County purchases its energy. In February of this year, we took a major step toward achieving this goal by delivering a Clean Energy Strategy... READ MORE

Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates

A safer walk to school in East End

Nearly 10,000 linear feet of six-foot wide sidewalk near J.R. Elementary School means students and families have a safer way to get to school. This month, Precinct 2 and our partners celebrated the ribbon cutting of this new stretch of sidewalk along Manchester Street from Broadway to San Saba streets and from Concrete to 97th streets. This project was identified in the Precinct 2 Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Improvement Plan in 2020.

The $500K investment came from Harris County Precinct 2 funds and builds on Commissioner Garcia’s Revive2Thrive effort to make Precinct 2 a great place to live, work and play!

Check out our Project Dashboard for a full list of our current projects

In the news

ABC13:

New report finds, fake paper car tags cost Harris County more than $80M in past 6 years.

Houston Chronicle:

Last-minute lawsuit fails to stop Harris County's new bail bond policy from beginning Saturday

Houston Chronicle:

Houston’s dangerous concrete plants are mostly in communities of color. Residents are fighting back.

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

Fraudulent paper tags: In December 2021, Commissioner Garcia expressed concern about fraudulent temporary tags in Harris County and requested a report from the analyst’s office. The report was presented this week and shows the county lost up to $80 million over the past six years to fraudulent paper tags. Commissioner Garcia is committed to continuing to fund solutions that can make our county safer.
North Shore and Channelview community plans: Studies for both the North Shore and Channelview community-led plans are approved. As part of Commissioner Garcia’s Revive2Thrive initiative, this project focuses on historically underserved, unincorporated communities in Precinct 2.
Greater Northside community planning: The Infrastructure study in partnership with the Greater Northside Management District is approved. This is another example of Commissioner Garcia's Revive2Thrive initiative and seeks to identify, develop, and prioritize projects for implementation and strengthen the quality of life for residents.
Elections update:
Last week, the Elections Commission moved forward with a timeline to search for and hire a new Elections Administrator.
Administrator Longoria provided an update regarding the selection of polling locations for the May 24 runoff election.
The Employee Election Volunteering program is approved. County employees interested in working in the May elections will be eligible to receive comp time.