What to Expect at Harris County Commissioners Court

When: Every Tuesday at 10:00 AM (with posted exceptions).

Where: Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston Street, 1st Floor Courtroom.

How long: Usually 1-3 hours.

Cost: Free. Open to the public.

Broadcast: Livestreamed and archived at harriscountytx.gov.

Commissioners Court is the governing body of Harris County. The County Judge presides. Four Commissioners represent geographic precincts. The Court handles:

• County budget — billions in spending on roads, courts, hospitals, parks
• Infrastructure — road construction, flood control projects, facility maintenance
• Public health — Harris County Public Health programs, hospital district
• Law enforcement — Sheriff's Office budget, jail operations
• Social services — community development, veteran services, youth programs

1. Find the agenda: Posted at agenda.harriscountytx.gov before each meeting.
2. Sign up online: Register for public comment at the agenda portal before the meeting.
3. In person: You can also sign up at the courtroom before the meeting begins.
4. Speak: You will typically have 3 minutes. State your name and what agenda item or topic you are addressing.

• Commissioners Court is more informal than you might expect. It is a working meeting.
• The agenda can be long. Focus on the items that matter to you.
• Each Commissioner represents a precinct. Know which precinct you live in.
• Court decisions are made by majority vote (3 of 5 members).
• Many items pass on the consent agenda with no discussion. Contested items get individual debate.
• You can leave at any time. You do not have to stay for the whole meeting.

METRORail: Red Line to Preston station. The building is at Preston and San Jacinto.

Parking: Multiple paid lots and garages near 1001 Preston. Street parking is limited.

Accessibility: The courtroom is ADA accessible. For accommodations, contact the County Clerk at 713-274-8600.

• Minutes and voting records at cclerk.hctx.net
• Video archive at harriscountytx.gov
• Contact your Commissioner: harriscountytx.gov/Government

Harris County has a County Judge (elected countywide) and four Commissioners (elected by precinct). Find your precinct at harrisvotes.com.