A look back at 2024

As we wrap up 2024, we look back at what we've accomplished together with pride and gratitude. We celebrated major milestones and made strides in infrastructure improvements to make our communities safer and stronger. And we also stood together in the face of severe weather and other challenges.

Watch this video for a look back at some of 2024's top moments. We look forward to continuing to make Precinct 2 a safer, more prosperous and vibrant place to live, work, and play in 2025. Happy New Year from our Precinct 2 family to yours!

Revive2Thrive: 5 million feet of drainage improvements completed

This year ended with the celebration of a major milestone! Precinct 2 completed 5 million feet of ditching across the precinct! When Commissioner Garcia took office in 2019, he set an ambitious goal to achieve this within seven years—a critical step toward improving drainage and protecting neighborhoods. Thanks to the hard work of our public works team, this goal was accomplished two years ahead of schedule.

To put 5 million feet into perspective:

It’s nearly 950 miles—the distance from Houston to Des Moines, Iowa.
It’s enough to circle the Houston Loop (I-610) more than 75 times.
The dirt removed can fill 222 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting communities across Precinct 2 from flooding and enhancing their quality of life. It is part of Commissioner Garcia's Revive2Thrive initiative to revitalize Precinct 2 through investments in infrastructure and community programs.

Mud Gully Channel (Beamer Ditch)

Precinct 2 also celebrated the completion of the Mud Gully Channel (Beamer Ditch) Conveyance Improvements Project. This $10.5 million investment enhances flood safety for thousands of Bay Area and Sagemont residents by increasing water flow capacity and replacing aging infrastructure.

Western Homes Subdivisions Drainage Improvement Project

Precinct 2 completed the Western Homes Addition Subdivisions Drainage Improvement Project in Aldine, adding to this month’s series of major drainage improvement projects. This project removed 77 structures from the 100-year floodplain.

Click here for Precinct 2's Revive2Thrive project dashboard

Prioritizing public safety: Reducing domestic violence rates in Harris County

This month, Commissioner Garcia emphasized the importance of helping survivors of domestic violence in Harris County. He joined Commissioners Lesley Briones and Rodney Ellis of Precincts 4 and 1 to back a grant opportunity for local organizations like the Houston Area Women’s Center to expand their reach. As the former Harris County Sheriff Commissioner Garcia understands the critical need to connect survivors and their families to the specialized care and services they deserve to break the vicious cycle of domestic violence. Click here to learn more about this investment.

Step-Up Internship Program Alumni Mixer

Precinct 2's Workforce Development Division team hosted it's first-ever Step-Up Alumni Mixer to reconnect with our past interns! We got to hear all about the amazing things they’ve been up to since completing their internships with us. To learn more about the program or to join the Step-Up Alumni LinkedIn group, email Vanessa Barnes.

A special thank you to TXRX Labs for graciously hosting us and giving us a tour. We are amazed to have such a unique facility in Precinct 2’s East End community!

Here2Serve:

Meet Felicia Lawrence, Sr. Operations Coordinator

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

A: My job is to make sure the programs and events, within each department, run smoothly every day. I enjoy being a part of the process of taking an idea and turning it into something real that residents of Precinct 2 can benefit from ...READ MORE

Q: This month, you and your team hosted one of the Precinct’s biggest events – the Senior Pajama Jam Party. What makes this event special to you?

A: The Senior Pajama Jam is hands down my favorite event to be a part of because of the seniors! They are such a lively group and seeing them let loose and have a great time absolutely makes my day ...READ MORE

In the last month, Commissioner Garcia led to:

Improve drainage in Pine Trails: Commissioner Garcia was proud to announce the award of the Pine Trails Subdivision Drainage project to SER Construction Partners. This $37.5 million investment will bring essential drainage infrastructure updates to the Pine Trails community, enhancing both safety and quality of life for all residents. This will be the second phase of a two-phase construction project. Once completed, 1,200 homes will benefit from reduced flood risk. Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025.

Reduce criminal court backlog: Commissioners Court approved the request by the District Courts to extend four grant-funded positions to June 25, 2025, and three Pretrial Services grant-funded positions to December 31, 2025 for the Court Backlog Reduction - ARPA Program using the remaining balance of $272,296.00 in ARPA funding.

Make improvements in North Shore area: Commissioners Court approved a Joint Partnership with San Jacinto Community College District for new sidewalks, ADA ramps and bus stops located along the Uvalde corridor from south of Crosby Parkway to Wallisville Road.

Improve Creel Country Estates drainage: The court approved the request to begin the bidding process for the drainage improvements in the Creel Country Estates Subdivision in Precinct 2.

Increase salaries for underpaid county employees: To ensure County employees are fairly and equitably compensated, Harris County is currently working on a compensation and pay equity study. During the last Commissioners Court, it was announced that the study will not be available until late summer. To ensure momentum toward pay equity continues this fiscal year, Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve a $2,500 annual salary increase for all county employees making less than $75,000 effective with the January 31, 2025 paycheck. This action will positively impact approximately 60 percent of county employees.

Lead the way with EVs: Precinct 2 will acquire in a new electric box truck and continues to lead in the way in the use of electric vehicles to save money and build a more sustainable Harris County.

When is the next Commissioners Court? Click here to find out

Resolutions

Sylvan Beach lifeguards: College student lifeguards Eleazar “Ellie” Galvan and Seth Green, and Lifeguard Program Coordinator, Sarah Kloesel, were proudly recognized by Commissioner Garcia for their heroic efforts saving a man that fell off his jet-ski from drowning at Sylvan Beach during the summer of 2024.

Diane Sheridan's retirement: Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution to Diane Sheridan on her retirement this month after more than 35 years working as Facilitator with the Pasadena Citizens’ Advisory Council (PCAC). Over her career, she worked with over 200 diverse stakeholders to reach agreement on how industry should communicate the risk from chemicals and chemical plants to area communities.