On September 15, Precinct 2 kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with our annual celebration at Sylvan Beach. There was food, fun, performances, and lots of dancing! Commissioner Garcia recognized FIEL Houston for the organization's work to empower Latinos across Harris County. Click here to watch a video about their impact.

The fun didn’t end there (it never does in Precinct 2), and we’re excited to celebrate all month long (and the next month and the next…)!

On September 1, we broke ground on two drainage improvement projects! Harris County Precinct 2, Harris County Recovery and Resiliency Division, Harris County Engineering, and Harris County Flood Control District are working to reduce the risk of flooding within the Oak Glen Place and Aldine Village area.

The $7 million improvements to Oak Glen Place include the construction of underground storm sewers and detention basins. In Aldine Village, the $3 million improvements include installing new storm drainage pipes, maintaining existing pipes, and reconstructing roadside ditches and driveways.

A special thank you to our community residents, Arthur, Maria Cristina, Clara, and Savannah for taking part in the ground breakings! Our residents are the reason why Precinct 2 is proud to continue its efforts to revitalize our neighborhoods!

Jeff Parsons,

Risk Management Manger

Jeff works to identify potential threats to Precinct 2 staff and residents and prepare for emergencies. 

Jeff also conducts training for Precinct 2 staff and ensures the team is equipped to respond during emergencies. 

Q: Describe your role as the Risk Management Manager for Precinct 2?

A: My role as the Divisional Manager of Risk Management includes leading and managing the Risk Management Team to serve Precinct 2 employees and our constituents. This includes coordinating with multiple state, county, and local officials to protect and provide a safe and healthy environment... READ MORE

Q: September is National Preparedness Month. What is an aspect of emergency preparedness you think is often overlooked in households?

A: In line with National Preparedness Month, so many topics come to mind. Preparation has always been and will continue to be the one action that can significantly reduce the impact and severity of an unwanted event. Employees many times will fail to prepare for an unforeseen loss of income... READ MORE

KPRC: ‘We’re so excited and relieved’: Aldine house known for illegal activity demolished by law enforcement

Axios: A conversation on sustainability efforts in Houston

Houston Chronicle: Harris County GOP commissioners no-show again, extending battle over tax rate and budget

Cagle and Ramsey Are Absent

Commissioners Court was set to adopt the 2023 tax rate and the budget for fiscal year 2023 during the September meetings. However, a quorum of at least four Commissioners is required to adopt the tax rate, and Commissioners Cagle and Ramsey did not attend any of the meetings this month.

In the interim, Commissioners Court has adopted an annualized version of the short fiscal year 2022 budget. The revised budget cuts $106 million from what had been proposed for next year's budget, which starts October 1.

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

• Gun Buyback Program approved: Commissioner Garcia moved to approve approximately $1.1 million in funding for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to partner with Commissioner Precincts to host 8 events where gun owners can surrender personal firearms in exchange for gift cards.
• Public Nuisance Abatements approved: Commissioner’s Court approved the abatement of 32 additional public nuisance properties across Harris County. Of the 32 sites approved for abatement, 19 are in Precinct 2. 
• Paid mental health leave for law enforcement: Commissioner Garcia helped create a new system to provide paid mental health leave for certain county law enforcement officers.  
• Expansion of Buffalo Bayou Park: Thanks to a $100 million donation from the Kinder Foundation and funding from Harris County and the City of Houston, the park will reconnect the historic communities of Fifth Ward and the East End. 
• Leveraging technology to fight crime: The court approved the continued funding of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office LENS online data sharing program. The program allows investigators from agencies across the region to search other departments’ data systems to coordinate crime-fighting efforts.

Resolutions

• Sept 13: Honoring the life and legacy of James “Jamey” Rootes; Recognizing local Latina artist Rose Toro



• Sept 27: Honoring Armand Yramategui, the namesake of Armand Bayou, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month; Recognizing World Mental Health Day. Patrick McIlvain was recognized for his work with "The Walk Houston" and his commitment to raising awareness about mental illness. 

Patriot Day

Great Wolf Lodge Groundbreaking

New Access2Health Kiosks