PrecinctUp2Date: March 2022 Edition

Tour of Progress: Parks & community centers

Did you know Precinct 2 has nearly 50 parks? In the last three years, many of them have gotten major upgrades like new, accessible playgrounds. We also made history with the reopening of James Driver Park as the first inclusive park in all of Harris County. We have also been working hard to bring programming to our community centers for the entire family. For anyone who wants to learn a new skill or make new friends, our centers have become great places of gathering! Join Commissioner Garcia on this Tour of Progress across Precinct 2 parks and community centers to SEE what we're talking about!

Precinct 2 celebrates Women's History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the stories and achievements of the women serving our communities. We are so excited to shine light on a few of the extraordinary women in Precinct 2 in our #YouGoGirl campaign!

Click here meet them and learn about the impact they are making across Precinct 2!

Here2Serve: Precinct 2 team spotlight

Q&A with Lauren Potter

Information Systems Manager

Lauren has served Precinct 2 for eight years. As Information Systems Manager, Lauren works to further develop the Precinct 2 Call Center, look for technological solutions to stay connected with our communities, and provide the highest level of customer service. READ MORE

Q: What is the call center’s role in serving Precinct 2 constituents?

A: The Harris County Precinct 2 Call Center was developed in March 2020 to continue providing customer service to our residents while our facilities were closed due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. For Commissioner Garcia, it was important to be able to provide the same a way for residents to connect with the precinct. Initially, the call center primarily served homebound seniors who relied on our meal programs to sustain them during a time of food insecurity. Many of these seniors lacked access to technology and needed a way to connect with staff... READ MORE

Q: What types of services do help constituents with?

A: With a call or chat via www.hcp2.com, constituents can submit a service request, rent a facility, register for an activity, or get more information about everything happening within Harris County Precinct 2. We strive to provide a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to connect with available county resources. READ MORE

L to R: Lauren Potter, Maria Anderson, Damiche Chatlin, Dianna Casey, Alizeh Bentacourt, Maggie Guevara

Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates

Clinton Drive revamped

Commissioner Garcia continues to make progress in infrastructure projects throughout the precinct. This month, we celebrated the completion of the reconstruction of portions of Clinton Drive in East Harris County. This $24.1 million partnership project with the Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT) transformed an existing four-lane commercial/industrial roadway to a four-lane boulevard with curb and gutter. The project consists of concrete pavement, drainage, retaining wall structures, markings and outfall structures.

Thank you to the TX DOT team and the City of Houston's Public Works team for joining us!

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

Continuing to make public safety a priority

Commissioner Garcia Garcia vows to continue urging for a 10% minimum payment rule for people accused of violent crimes to be able to be bailed out of jail. The proposal was introduced by Garcia as a resolution in February. The Harris County Bail Bond Board voted on the measure during this month's meeting after hearing emotional testimony by victim's families. It fell one vote short of the five needed to pass. Garcia is pushing for the proposal to return during the board's next meeting in April.

Watch the testimony here

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

Energy aggregator: Garcia brought an item directing the Office of County Administration (OCA) to determine the feasibility of creating an aggregator for the purpose of procuring energy. Aggregation allows institutions to partner together to buy energy with the economic advantages of a high-volume purchase. The item passed unanimously.
Workforce development: Under Garcia's leadership, Commissioners Court unanimously passed an item to allocate funds to open Precinct 2's Workforce Lab in partnership with Harris Public Library System.
Sidewalk construction in Precinct 2: Partnership project with City of Galena Park to construct a new sidewalk on Holland Ave. from Clinton Dr. to 18th St. Construction to begin next year.
Drainage improvement in Precinct 2: This will help Improve stormwater detention/retention for the Aldine Village subdivision.
New playground in Precinct 2: The contract was approved for new inclusive playground equipment at Seabrook Sports Complex.
Support for transgender youth: Garcia voted in support of transgender children and their families in Harris County and to oppose the Governor’s directive to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate gender-affirming care for transgender youth as child abuse.
Homelessness in Harris County: Garcia led the discussion on the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP) reduction of chronic homelessness by nearly 20%.

Resolutions

March 8: Honoring the life of Paloma Vasquez

March 22: Honoring the life of Judge Debra Ibarra Mayfield

Mark your calendar

April 4 - 8

Owners can turn in their inoperable or derelict vessels/boats free of charge at Genoa Camp in Pasadena.

April 9

Grab your helmet and bike to join us for this 50-mile ride with Commissioner Garcia!

How to reserve a space for your next family gathering

Precinct 2 offers nearly 50 rental facilities including outdoor pavilions and community rooms. You can also take your event to the next level by renting the historic Sylvan Beach pavilion. It offers a 10,000 square-foot glass walled ballroom!

Visit our website to book a venue for your next event or contact our call center at 713-274-2222.