Newsroom

01/25/2024

01/25/2024

Harris County, TX,January 25, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement today after the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that Texas saw more than 26,000 rape-related pregnancies during the 16 months after the state passed an abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest:

01/15/2024

01/15/2024

Harris County, TX, January 15, 2024 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced the closure of all Harris County departments on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in response to the winter weather and a continued hard freeze in the region. Unless they are supporting essential operations, all county facilities and offices are closed to the public tomorrow. This means jury service for tomorrow has been canceled.

12/19/2023

12/19/2023

December 19, 2023 - Harris County, Texas, Judge Lina Hidalgo announced today that in partnership with The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, Harris County created an emotional support line for members of our community who have been impacted by the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

10/31/2023

10/31/2023

Harris County, Texas- October 31, 2023 , Harris County Commissioners Court votedtoday to name Diana Ramirez the permanent County Administrator. She has beenserving as Interim County Administrator since Administrator Dave Berry’sresignation. 

10/13/2023

10/13/2023

Harris County, TX - October 13, 2023, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins agreed to a friendly wager on the Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers American League Championship Series.

10/02/2023

10/02/2023

Harris County, Texas -October 2, 2023, Judge Hidalgo returned to the office today after  receiving mental healthtreatment for clinical depression. She will spend the day getting briefed bystaff and responding to constituent messages.

09/14/2023

09/14/2023

Harris County, Texas – September 14, 2023 – Judge Hidalgo today provided an update on her mental health treatment. Based on the advice of her medical care team, she will be discharged the morning of Saturday, September 16, 2023, to transition from residential care to outpatient care. The Judge will return to her usual schedule on Monday, October 2, 2023.

08/17/2023

08/17/2023

Harris County, Texas- Thursday, August 17, 2023, Today Harris County CommissionersCourt approved an order for a bond election for the November 2023 General Electionto finance upgrades to the Harris Health System. 

08/08/2023

08/08/2023

Harris County, Texas - Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Due to excessive heat and drought conditions, Commissioners Court has approved a burn ban, effective immediately, at the recommendation of the Harris County Fire Marshal, for all unincorporated portions of the County.

08/07/2023

08/07/2023

Harris County, Texas - August 7, 2023, Judge Hidalgo announcedtoday that, based on the advice of her doctors, she will be on leave from theoffice for the next several weeks to seek inpatient care for clinicaldepression at an out of state facility. Her medical care team is hopeful thatshe will be able to resume her normal schedule by early September.

07/18/2023

07/18/2023

Harris County, TX - Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Judge Lina Hidalgo will travel to Washington D.C. Tuesday, joining a delegation of Texas leaders at the White House on Wednesday. At the meeting, Judge Hidalgo will focus on the successful implementation of projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

06/16/2023

06/16/2023

Harris County, Texas- June 16, 2023, Judge Hidalgo today welcomed local, state, and federal leaders Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking for Harris County’s HAY Center for youth transitioning out of foster care. Once completed, the HAY Center will feature 50 apartments, and include wraparound services including counseling, life skills classes, and other resources.

04/20/2023

04/20/2023

Harris County, Texas - April 20, 2023, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced the decision by Harris County Administrator, David Berry, to leave his position and take on a new private sector role focused on renewable energy.

04/19/2023

04/19/2023

Harris County, Texas - April 19, 2023, Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on social media that NRG Stadium would be re-named throughout the weekend ahead of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. Banners with NRG Stadium (Taylor’s Version) will be placed at NRG Stadium’s North and South entrances

04/12/2023

04/12/2023

Harris County, Texas - April 12, 2023, Judge Lina Hidalgo along with Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvia Garcia, Commissioner Lesley Briones and other officials Tuesday announced $4.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to bring supportive programming to women housed in the Women’s Center jail.

03/22/2023

03/22/2023

Harris County, Texas - March 22, 2023, Judge Hidalgo provides the following updateregarding today’s explosion at the INEOS plant in Pasadena.

03/03/2023

03/03/2023

Harris County, TX­ - March 3, 2023.The Texas Education Agency’s rumored plan to take over HISD is outrageous at best and a thinly-veiled threat to democracy at worst. School boards are one of the purest expressions of American democracy.

12/20/2022

12/20/2022

Harris County, TX­ - December 20, 2022. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo along with County emergency officials and Mayor Sylvester Turner provided an update on the upcoming hard freeze. Hidalgo urged residents to take a few extra precautions over the next few days to prepare for upcoming freezing temperatures.

09/07/2022

09/07/2022

Harris County, Texas - September 7, 2022 -  I’m proud to champion a budget that both decreases the tax rate and adds millions of dollars to public safety, including a substantial pay increase for frontline police officers.

08/31/2022

08/31/2022

Harris County, Texas - August 31, 2022, Harris County Commissioner’s Court today authorized the County Attorney to hire outside counsel and file a lawsuit to challenge the state’s efforts to gridlock Harris County funding, including over $96 million for public safety

08/31/2022

08/31/2022

Harris County, Texas - August 31, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement about today’s $750 million of flood control infrastructure and mitigation funding:

08/25/2022

08/25/2022

Harris County, TX - August 25, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo along with several local members of congress today introduced a $14.3 million initiative aimed at combating the growing mental health crisis and an additional $7.5 million to address nutritional and food insecurity. Through a multi-million dollar allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Behavioral and Mental Health Program will increase access to mental health services, with a focus on expanding counseling for youth and their families, before mental health issues become debilitating or a crisis for individuals.

08/16/2022

08/16/2022

Harris County, TX - August 16, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced Houston/Harris County will expand eligibility criteria to include HIV+ individuals and those diagnosed with Chlamydia. Previously, vaccines were available to individuals in direct contact with someone who had contracted Monkeypox, attended an event where there was a high risk of exposure, were currently on PrEP medication, or diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past three months.

08/03/2022

08/03/2022

Harris County, Texas - August 3, 2022 – Judge Lina Hidalgo shared evidence-based strategies as the cornerstone of an $84 million investment in Harris County children and families. The Brighter Futures for Harris County Kids was announced in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Judge Hidalgo along with Commissioner Ellis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congressmember Al Green, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher announced the $84 million initiative at the Children’s Museum Houston.

07/28/2022

07/28/2022

Harris County, TX– Thursday, July 28, 2022, In a joint letter (attached) sent today, Judge Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner have requested additional Monkeypox vaccine doses from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

07/25/2022

07/25/2022

Harris County, TX - Monday, July 25, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dr. Vandana Shrikanth, experts from Legacy Community Health, and public health officials today held an update on Monkeypox to share the latest information regarding cases in Harris County and Houston. In addition, Hidalgo and Turner presented a response and preparedness plan.

07/19/2022

07/19/2022

Harris County, Texas - July 19, 2020, Harris County Commissioners Court today unanimously approved a multimillion dollar initiative to serve the health care needs of women and children, a top priority for the office of Judge Lina Hidalgo.

07/05/2022

07/05/2022

Harris County, Texas - Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced Clifford Tatum will serve as Harris County's next Elections Administrator. Mr. Tatum has 16 years of elections experience and has led 9 elections in the past 4 years.

06/27/2022

06/27/2022

Harris County, Texas - June 27. 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo tested positive for COVID Sunday, June 26.

06/14/2022

06/14/2022

Harris County, Texas - June 14, 2022, In a 3 to 2 vote, commissioners court approved a new program investing $48 million American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for childcare and early childhood development in Harris County. It is the largest known investment of ARPA dollars by any county or city in the nation for early childhood education.

04/18/2022

04/18/2022

(Harris County, Texas) - April 18, 2022, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today released new data on Harris County’s efforts to increase adoption of the Biden-Harris Administration’s expanded child tax credit - a tax benefit designed to help families raising children.

03/10/2022

03/10/2022

Harris County, Texas - March 10, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is lowering the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow as positive cases and hospitalizations continue to decline following the Omicron wave of infections.  

03/08/2022

03/08/2022

Harris County, Texas - March 8, 2022 - We’re grateful to have leadership in Washington that recognizes the value of fairness and equity when it comes to fighting the clear and present danger we’re experiencing from climate change.

02/24/2022

02/24/2022

Harris County, Texas - February 24, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is lowering the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 1: Red to Level 2: Orange. The move comes as positive cases and COVID-19 ICU populations are decreasing.  

02/22/2022

02/22/2022

(Harris County, TX - February 22, 2022) - Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday awarded grantees a combined total of $7.9 million in American Rescue Plan funds provided by the Biden-Harris Administration to seed a targeted portfolio of early childhood programs, including resources for educators and new parents, and the expansion of home-based child care providers.

02/15/2022

02/15/2022

Harris County, TX - February 15, 2022 - One year ago, millions of people across Texas suffered and hundreds died from the winter freeze. Today, Judge Hidalgo released the following statement reflecting upon the one year anniversary of the Texas Winter Storm of 2021

01/10/2022

01/10/2022

(Harris County, Texas) - January 10, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is raising the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 1: Red.

12/20/2021

12/20/2021

Harris County, Texas - December 20, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is raising the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 3: Yellow to Level 2: Orange, the system’s second highest threat level. The threat level has increased due to a number of factors, including a rapid increase in new cases and positivity rate.

11/26/2021

11/26/2021

Harris County, Texas - November 26, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is lowering the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow. Indicators demonstrate a further decrease in cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rates for COVID-19.

07/19/2021

07/19/2021

Initiative builds on previous additional actions taken by Harris County to alleviate unacceptable backlog in criminal court cases driving crime

05/27/2021

05/27/2021

(Harris County, Texas) - May 27, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is moving the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow, the system’s second-lowest threat level. 

05/26/2021

05/26/2021

(Harris County, TX) - May 26, 2021 - This week,our community stood united in outrage over the loss of vital Harvey mitigationfunds intended to protect us from future storms. Republicans, Democrats,business leaders, and residents from every corner of our county came togetherto call for these desperately needed resources.

05/18/2021

05/18/2021

(Harris County, Texas) - May 18, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is moving the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 1: Red to Level 2: Orange, the system’s second highest threat level. The move comes as a variety of indicators demonstrate significant progress in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and the availability, administration, and efficacy of vaccines for eligible age groups.

05/07/2021

05/07/2021

"The tentatively approved voter suppression law is built on a pernicious lie, a lie that corrodes our American democracy from within by pushing the falsehood that widespread voter fraud exists in Texas. Each time this lie is told, each time policies are passed based on this lie, our democracy is weakened....

04/16/2021

04/16/2021

(Harris County, TX) – Friday, April 16, 2021, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) today announced that it has opened 55,000 COVID-19 vaccines for the week of April 19th. In response to vaccine supply starting to meet demand, residents who sign up for a vaccine from HCPH will now be given appointment options immediately after registering for a vaccine while supplies last. Individuals will be provided with a choice of date, time, and location to get vaccinated upon registering online at ReadyHarris.org or via phone with the HCPH Vaccine Hotline.

04/01/2021

04/01/2021

Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced several key personnel updates to the County Judge’s Office. 

After more than two years of service to the County Judge’s Office, Chief of Staff Joe Madden will step down from his position as Chief of Staff. Starting immediately, Alex Triantaphyllis will serve as Chief of Staff. Additionally, Rafael Lemaitre will expand his duties and serve as Senior Advisor in addition to his current role as Communications Director. Wallis Nader, who currently serves as Deputy Policy Director, will be appointed as Policy Director for Judge Hidalgo.

03/25/2021

03/25/2021

(Harris County, Tx) - March 25, 2021, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today released updated demographic data indicating that Harris County Public Health Department (HCPH) vaccination efforts far outpace those of other providers (not including the City of Houston) in ensuring that vulnerable and hard-hit populations are receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

03/11/2021

03/11/2021

(HOUSTON, TX) - March 11, 2021 – The Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund announced it is investing an additional $6.3 million in area nonprofits serving the most vulnerable families and individuals. This follows the $1.65 million in emergency grants distributed on March 1.

03/02/2021

03/02/2021

(Harris County, Tx) - Tuesday March 2, 20201 - “Taking away critical public health interventions that we know are working won’t make our community safer, nor will it hasten our return to normalcy. ..

03/01/2021

03/01/2021

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March1, 2021-  As Houstonians begin to assess and address the costly damage caused by the recent extreme winter weather, the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund is investing $1.65 million in emergency grants to support vulnerable families and individuals in critical need of home repairs due to busted pipes, water damage and prolonged power loss during the recent freezing temperatures.

02/18/2021

02/18/2021

(Harris County TX) - Thursday 19 2021, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced an emergency session of the Harris County Commissioners Court will take place at 1 pm on Friday, February 19th, 2021.

02/10/2021

02/10/2021

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday February 10, 2021, Judge Lina Hidalgo statement on the Biden Administration's announcement to increase COVID-19 vaccine capacity in Harris County:

02/04/2021

02/04/2021

(Harris County, Texas) - Thursday, February 4, 2021, Judge Hidalgo and officials from Harris County Public Health today announced a new campaign designed to address vaccine hesitancy and urge residents to take additional action to stop the spread of COVID-19.

02/03/2021

02/03/2021

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday Feb 3, 2021 - Iwant to commend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for protecting the healthand safety of our community. The next few months are crucial to determining ifand how fast we’ll be able to reach herd immunity.

01/28/2021

01/28/2021

(Harris County) - Thursday 28, 2021 - Judge Outlines Series of Actions Accomplished Thus Far to Move from Reactive toProactive Posture After Decades of Neglect and Underinvestment.

01/25/2021

01/25/2021

(Houston, TX) - Starting on Tuesday, January 26th, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will launch anew COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for residents who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS) criteria for receiving a vaccine. The portal will allow individuals to be placed on a waitlist andcontacted once vaccines and appointments are available.

01/06/2021

01/06/2021

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday Jan 6th 2021 - “Thecreation of a Chief of Detentions post is a consequential turning point for ourjail and for Harris County. Meaningful reform to our criminal justice systemmeans taking stock of our entire system, from top to bottom..

12/10/2020

12/10/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday December 10, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration advisory committee’s endorsement of a COVID-19 vaccine:

“The development of a COVID-19 vaccine within a year is an incredible human achievement. It’s a testament to the power of modern medicine, science, and the tireless efforts of researchers and institutions - many from right here in Harris County - who have worked so hard to finally bring light to the end of this tunnel.

12/08/2020

12/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday December 8,2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued the following statement regarding plans for the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is part of the DNA that makes up who we are as Harris County. It’s an incredible forum for world class competition, entertainment, and scholarship.

11/11/2020

11/11/2020

(Harris County, TX) - November 11, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement: “What we’re seeing here in Texas is what happens when you let denial and politics drive public health policy. It’s tragic not only because of the alarming trends we’re seeing, but also because we’re stuck in a vicious cycle of wishful thinking and unsustainable reopenings....

11/02/2020

11/02/2020

(Harris County, TX) - November 2, 2020, Harris County Judge Hidalgo released the following statement regarding the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on drive-thru voting:

10/30/2020

10/30/2020

(Harris County Tx) - October 30, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the appointment of Isabel Longoria as Harris County Elections Administrator. The new Elections Administrator position - created by Commissioners Court in July - will conduct all voter registration work previously conducted by the Tax assessor-collector and election management work conducted by the County clerk’s office.

10/28/2020

10/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 28, 2020, Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the Early Childhood Impact Fund, a $10 million accelerator of innovative and evidence-based programs designed to help children thrive. Over a period of two to three years, the initiative will provide seed investments to programs with significant potential to dramatically improve early childhood outcomes and provide critical support for young children and their families.

10/22/2020

10/22/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 22, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to assure voters that ballots cast through drive-thru voting will not be invalidated by state officials.

10/14/2020

10/14/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 14, 2020, As early voting continues in Harris County, County Judge Lina Hidalgo todayreleased a new explainer video on drive-thru voting. The PSA features John “Curbside Larry” Schaffer and outlines for eligible voters how safe and easy drive-thru voting is.

10/08/2020

10/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 7, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the followingstatement:

“Months ago,we established the Harris County Threat Level System - critical public healthbenchmarks to determine the county’s level of reopening and make way forsustainable, long-term reopenings. We have not been able to enforce the ThreatLevel System, which has led to a much slower decrease in the virusincidence. 

10/01/2020

10/01/2020

(Harris County, TX) - October 1, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s executive order closing down 11 mail-in ballot drop-off locations in Harris County 33 days before the general election. Governor Abbott’s proclamation reverses previous state guidance allowing counties to provide voters with multiple official ballot drop off locations and leaves Harris County with only one ballot drop-off site.

09/17/2020

09/17/2020

(Harris County, TX) - September 17, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to reopening plans announced by Governor Abbott:

“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our residents, trends are moving in the right direction, but we cannot let our guard down and we are not out of the woods. There isn’t a single person in Harris County who wants our businesses, schools or other facets of daily life to remain closed longer than they need to, but this virus hasn’t gone away and my commitment to the residents is to ensure the County’s position reflects responsible steps that must be taken for a sustainable new normal.

09/15/2020

09/15/2020

(Harris County, TX) - September 15, 2020, Judge Hidalgo today announced that Harris County Commissioners Court has approved $2,178,550 to support survivors of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, approved by the court, will establish a Harris County COVID-19 Domestic Violence Assistance program to bridge gaps in assistance for survivors by providing an array of services including childcare, food, transportation and housing.

09/15/2020

09/15/2020

(Harris County, TX) - September 15, 2020, Judge Hidalgo today announced that Harris County Commissioners Court has passed a resolution recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution was passed unanimously by all five members of the court.

08/27/2020

08/27/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, August 27, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement regarding the need to invest in flood mitigation.

“It shouldn’t take a near miss of a catastrophic hurricane to force our national leaders to recognize the urgency of investing in flood infrastructure, including a coastal barrier for Galveston Bay.

08/14/2020

08/14/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, August 14, 2020, The Harris County Commissioners and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo unanimously approved a $15 million emergency rental assistance program to help individuals in Harris County suffering economic hardships due to the effects of COVID-19. Due to the overwhelming demand for rental assistance in Harris County, Judge Hidalgo and the Commissioners subsequently increased the amount of assistance to be provided through this program to $25 million.

08/12/2020

08/12/2020

(Harris County,TX) August 12, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris CountyPublic Health today released a roadmap to reopening schools, a data-driven planto advise local school districts on what thresholds to use when considering to reopenschools. The guidance, developed based on national and international researchand with the input of public health experts and school officials, is designedto put Harris County schools on track for a realistic, responsible, safe, andsustainable reopening. It includes a common set of metrics school leadersshould rely on and actions those leaders should take once those milestones areachieved.

07/29/2020

07/29/2020

(HOUSTON, TX) Wednesday 29,2020 - With the first of two remaining construction segments set to begin in fall 2020, the White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project is expected to be completed in 2021. Construction on the first 10-mile stretch of White Oak Bayou from Hollister Road upstream to F.M. 1960 includes excavation work to widen and deepen White Oak Bayou. Additional work includes replacing and modifying drainage pipes that direct stormwater into the bayou.

07/24/2020

07/24/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 24, 2020, Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Local Health Authority for Harris County, and David Persse, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, Local Health Authority for the Houston Health Department, today signed a joint public health order requiring all public and non-religious private schools in Harris County to remain closed to in-person instruction until at least September 8. The start of on-campus instruction and activity may be delayed further based on ongoing monitoring and assessment of public health mitigation conditions.

07/20/2020

07/20/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 20, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Executive Director of Harris County Public Health Dr. Umair Shah today sent a letter to school district superintendents across the County outlining a series of recommendations schools should take to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, staff, and the community as a whole, including delayed opening for in-person instruction.

07/13/2020

07/13/2020

(Harris County, TX) - July 13, 2020, Eligible businesses can apply for financial assistance through the Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund today through Friday, July 24. The $30 million grant program, which was unanimously approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court on June 30, prioritizes struggling small businesses that have not yet received funds from other COVID-19 relief programs.

07/08/2020

07/08/2020

Wednesday, July 8 - Harris County’s Hispanic and Latino residents can feel safe as they seek testing for COVID-19 at county testing sites, Consul General of Mexico in Houston Alicia Kerber-Palma and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Tuesday.

07/02/2020

07/02/2020

Today, Judge Hidalgo released the following statement regarding the statewide executive order mandating the use of face coverings in public spaces:

07/01/2020

07/01/2020

(Houston, Texas) — July 1, 2020, The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region.

06/30/2020

06/30/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 30, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and each of the Harris County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) program, a $30,000,000 grant program established to assist struggling small businesses who have been unable to obtain financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs.

06/28/2020

06/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 28, 2020, Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she is self-quarantining after being potentially exposed to COVID-19 last week. The exposure came on Monday, June 22 via a member of the Harris County Judge’s office whose positive test results were confirmed over the weekend and is self-isolating. Judge Hidalgo and staff who were potentially exposed will be tested and are self-quarantining for 14 days from exposure until Monday July 6 following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Judge Hidalgo has not shown any symptoms.

06/26/2020

06/26/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 26, 2020, Today at noon, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will update the county’s COVID-19 public threat level from significant (orange, level two) to severe (red, level one). Level one indicates a “severe and uncontrolled” level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are worsening, contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded, and healthcare surge is likely. The elevation to threat level 1 - the highest in the system - comes as a variety of data demonstrate alarming trends that are on track to overwhelm the local healthcare system.

06/25/2020

06/25/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 25, 2020, The Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund opened its application this week for aid to the public as part of its second phase of funding. The application, which was available online and over the phone, was inundated by tens of thousands of Harris County residents seeking assistance from the fund.

06/24/2020

06/24/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, June 24, 2020, Harris County and City of Houston recovery czars Rep. Armando Walle and Marvin Odum on Wednesday announced the names of the members of a joint task force designed to bridge gaps in housing stability.

06/19/2020

06/19/2020

(Harris County, Tx) - June 19, 2020, As hospital admissions for COVID-19 continue to climb across the county, today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring businesses to generate, post, and implement health and safety policies which include, at a minimum, a requirement that workers, customers or visitors wear face coverings. The order takes effect at 12:01 am on Monday, June 22, 2020.

06/19/2020

06/19/2020

(Harris County, TX) — Friday, June 19, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring businesses to generate, post, and implement health and safety policies which include, at a minimum, a requirement that workers, customers or visitors wear face coverings. The order has been extended until at least 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 26^th, 2020.

06/18/2020

06/18/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 18, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

06/17/2020

06/17/2020

(Harris County, TX) - June 17, 2020, The Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund will open its public application to all eligible Harris County residents in its second phase of fund deployment. The public application will be open Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

06/12/2020

06/12/2020

(HOUSTON, TX) -June 12, 2020 – The Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund is disbursing $15 million to 44 local, community-based organizations that will provide vulnerable individuals and families support for housing, electricity, food, childcare, and other essential needs.

06/11/2020

06/11/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, June 11, 2020, - County and city recovery leaders on Thursday announced the formation of a task force to prevent evictions while bridging gaps in housing stability that have been exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/11/2020

06/11/2020

(Harris County, Tx) - June 11, 2020, As hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Harris County reach their highest level ever, today County Judge Lina Hidalgo unveiled a new public threat level system designed to help residents understand the threat level from COVID-19 and provide clear guidance on steps the general public must take to protect themselves, their community, and support the conditions to avoid a crisis and sustainably reopen the local economy. The system, informed by the latest data from local health authorities, research institutions, and public health experts, informs a color-coded level indicator for residents displaying the level of COVID-19 threat.

05/31/2020

05/31/2020

(Harris County, Texas) - May 31, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to the death of George Floyd and ongoing protests occurring in Harris County:

05/28/2020

05/28/2020

(Houston, TX) - May 28, 2020– Harris County has established the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide much-needed relief to Harris County residents most impacted by the global pandemic. The $30 million fund, which will be administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation, aims to strategically serve a large number of the most vulnerable people, in particular county residents who may not be eligible for other COVID-related funding and/or who cannot afford to wait for assistance.

05/28/2020

05/28/2020

(Harris County, Texas) - May 28, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County Department of Public Health today announced the county’s two largest COVID-19 test sites will be moved to new locations. The testing sites will move to Pasadena and Cy-Fair from Baytown and Katy and will begin services June 1 , weather permitting. Saturday, May 30, will be the last day the Baytown and Katy sites will be open and residents in those areas who need to be tested are encouraged to take action to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Smaller mobile sites will continue to visit the Baytown and Katy area periodically.

05/21/2020

05/21/2020

(Harris County, TX) - May 21, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced worker protection guidelines for retail businesses and construction sites as they reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommended guidelines, which include screening workers for symptoms, conducting routine disinfection, and staggering shifts when practicable, intend to provide baseline safeguards to ensure employees and customers are protected as facilities open for business and construction activity increases.

05/18/2020

05/18/2020

(Harris County, TX) - May 18, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today issued the following statement in response to the Texas Supreme Court’s removal of emergency protections halting eviction and debt-collection proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

05/09/2020

05/09/2020

(Harris County, TX) - May 9, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today released the following statement regarding the resignation of Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman. Hidalgo accepted Trautman’s resignation earlier today and Trautman’s final day as County Clerk will be May 31st:

04/28/2020

04/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a three-point framework designed to contain the spread of COVID-19 as a phased approach to reopen the economy across Texas begins to ramp up. The framework contains three key components, including increased tracing of positive cases, enhanced testing capacity, and continued efforts to ensure there is enough healthcare capacity to weather a spike in cases.

04/27/2020

04/27/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 27, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced the launch of a Harris County COVID-19 Strike Team to identify high-risk congregate settings and bring testing to them. Starting Tuesday, the team, composed of county epidemiologists, public health experts, social workers, and testing staff, will conduct site assessments, provide recommendations or control orders where needed, and provide the ability to test large groups of residents and staff at locations such as senior centers, nursing homes, and shelters.

04/23/2020

04/23/2020

(Harris County, TX) – April 23, 2020 - The Texas Policy Lab (TPL) in Rice University's School of Social Sciences has joined Harris County in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/22/2020

04/22/2020

(Harris County, TX) - April 22, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Wednesday issued an order requiring residents to wear masks when in public for the next 30 days, beginning on Monday, April 27, 2020. The order requires individuals over the age of 10 to wear a face covering, which can be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when outside the home. Medical masks or N-95 respirators are not recommended as they are needed for health-care workers and first responders.

04/20/2020

04/20/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 20, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Monday selected State Representative Armando Walle to lead the COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery effort on her behalf. As Harris County COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar, Rep. Walle is tasked with leading the effort to drive the region’s economic recovery.

04/15/2020

04/15/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, April 15, 2020, AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced two new COVID-19 drive-through testing sites for Harris County in partnership with Walgreens. These sites are set to come online Friday, April 17th, and will have the capacity to conduct 200 tests per day at each location. For the past week, Governor Abbott has been working with Judge Hidalgo and Walgreens to bring these sites online and increase Harris County's testing capacity. Testing in these locations will be available by appointment and individuals will first need to complete a digital health assessment to determine eligibility using criteria establish by CDC.

04/13/2020

04/13/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, April 13, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced two new Harris County Public Health (HCPH) mobile units will provide drive-through testing for COVID-19, adding up to 200 tests per day to the county’s current testing capacity. Each pop-up site, which will rotate locations across the precincts starting Tuesday, will be able to up to 100 drive-through tests per day. Additionally, testing capacity at HCPH’s two existing stationary sites will increase to 500 tests per location, per day, starting Wednesday.

04/08/2020

04/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, March 11, 2020, a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency was issued to allow Harris County to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and promote the health and safety of Harris County residents

04/08/2020

04/08/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, April 8, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today will sign an order closing all county public parks. The closures begin Thursday evening, April 9th at 8pm and will last through Monday April 13th at 8am; prohibiting the use of county parks.

04/06/2020

04/06/2020

(Houston, TX) - Monday, April 6, 2020 – Collaborative for Children and Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the City of Houston and Harris County, has launched a resource dedicated to helping essential workers find quality child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The easy-to-use portal launched today at 8 a.m.

04/03/2020

04/03/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, March 3, 2020, our county reached a grim milestone. Within Harris County, including the City of Houston, more than 1,000 residents have now tested positive. Deaths have now entered the double-digits - 13 people have had their lives stolen by COVID-19.

04/01/2020

04/01/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, March 11, 2020, a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency was issued to allow Harris County to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and promote the health and safety of Harris County residents

03/31/2020

03/31/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, March 31, 2020, As the region continues to see growth in COVID-19 cases, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced she will extend the county’s Stay Home-Work Safe order to 11:59 p.m. on April 30.

03/26/2020

03/26/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, March 26, 2020 - County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Thursday approved a waiver that will allow Houston Community College to use high-capacity 3D printing labs to produce mass quantities of protective face shields while operating as “Essential Critical Infrastructure.” 

03/23/2020

03/23/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March 23, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Dr. Umair Shah, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health, City of Houston partners on Monday announced an online COVID-19 assessment tool for residents who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or dry cough. The online screening tool is available now at ReadyHarris.org.

03/12/2020

03/12/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Executive Director of Harris County Public Health Dr. Umair Shah released new community guidelines designed to augment the regional response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

03/10/2020

03/10/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, March 10, 2020 -Harris County Public Health (HCPH), in partnership with Harris Health announced a call center resource for residents in unincorporated Harris County who do not have a healthcare provider and who need access to coronavirus-related care. 

03/04/2020

03/04/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, March 4, 2020, Testing has indicated that a Fort Bend County resident tested presumptive positive for COVID19. The individual is currently hospitalized in Fort Bend County and in stable condition.

02/28/2020

02/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, February 28, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will join elected officials, volunteers, businesses and residents to celebrate Go Texan Day and the start of official festivities for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In the spirit of the arrival of this year’s festivities, Judge Hidalgo released a playlist showcasing her picks for music to celebrate rodeo season in Harris County, comprised of artists who have performed or will perform at the rodeo.

02/28/2020

02/28/2020

(Harris County, TX) –  Friday, February 28, 2020 - We want to reassure our residents that their county governments are working closely with the local municipalities within our geographical boundaries and regions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. 

02/25/2020

02/25/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Judge Hidalgo announced that Harris County Commissioners Court approved a plan to design, administer funds for, and oversee a legal services program for county residents in need of immigration-related legal support. 

02/16/2020

02/16/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to announce additional measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the Houston metropolitan area. The announcement ordered restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to close with the exception of take out, delivery, or drive-through services.

02/11/2020

02/11/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, February 11, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a new resource for Harris County residents concerned about the spread of novel coronavirus (n-COV). Since the outbreak of coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, several unsubstantiated and misleading rumors regarding the virus have spread across Harris County online and via social media.

02/05/2020

02/05/2020

(Harris County, TX) - Wednesday, February 5, 2020, County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the launch of a series of community conversations designed to gather input for programs that support early childhood development across Harris County.

01/16/2020

01/16/2020

(Harris County, TX) - January 16, 2020, On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will join more than 30,000 runners, volunteers, and spectators from Harris County and across the world for the 48th annual Houston Marathon, the largest single-day sporting event in Houston. An avid runner who has trained to participate in this year's race, Judge Hidalgo released her personal marathon training Spotify playlist.

01/09/2020

01/09/2020

(Harris County, TX) – January 9, 2020 - Harris County Launches Confidential Reporting System to Combat Fraud, Waste or Abuse

01/07/2020

01/07/2020

(Harris County, TX) – January 7, 2020 -  Judge Hidalgo to Highlight Need for Residents to Protect Themselves Now Regardless of Whether or Not They Reside in a High-Risk Zone; Provide Readout of Meeting with Acting FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor 

12/19/2019

12/19/2019

(Harris County, TX) – December 19, 2019 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced major improvements to Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages, part of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS). WEA messaging is used to communicate risks and threats through mobile devices like smartphones that are connected to cellular data networks. Common uses include extreme weather emergencies and AMBER Alerts. The improvement comes after substantial negotiation and input from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM).

12/08/2019

12/08/2019

(Harris County, TX) – December 8, 2019 - We are absolutely heartbroken over the horrific murder of Houston Police Sergeant Christopher Brewster.  On behalf of Harris County and residents he served, I want to express our deepest sympathy and gratitude to his family, friends and colleagues.

11/22/2019

11/22/2019

(Harris County, TX) - November 22, 2019 -  Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Chief United States District Judge Lee Rosenthal’s Decision on Bail ReformMemorandum Opinion and Consent Decree

11/15/2019

11/15/2019

(Harris County, TX) - November 15, 2019 - County Judge Hidalgo Outlines Key Accomplishments During First State of the County Address, Announces New Focus on Early Childhood Development

11/12/2019

11/12/2019

(Harris County, TX) – November 12, 2019, Harris County Commissioners Court voted on two measures related to gun safety, including the formal expansion of a “Safe Surrender” pilot program designed to protect victims of domestic violence.

10/29/2019

10/29/2019

(Harris County, TX) – October 29, 2019, The expansion of a weapon-surrender program designed to protect victims of domestic violence was among several gun-safety initiatives announced by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Tuesday at Commissioners Court.

10/25/2019

10/25/2019

(Harris County, TX) - October 25, 2019, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo established the Imelda Assistance Fund, in cooperation with the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), for survivors following Tropical Storm Imelda.

10/24/2019

10/24/2019

(Harris County, TX) - Friday, October 4, 2019 - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that Tropical Storm Imelda survivors in Harris County will be eligible to apply for additional resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in their recovery. 

10/18/2019

10/18/2019

(Harris County, TX) - October 18, 2019, County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to assist Tropical Storm Imelda survivors.

10/08/2019

10/08/2019

(Harris County, TX) - October 8, 2019 - Statement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

09/29/2019

09/29/2019

(Harris County, TX) – September 21, 2019 - Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced additional recovery resources available to survivors of Tropical Storm Imelda.

09/27/2019

09/27/2019

(Harris County, TX) - September 27, 2019 - We are heartbroken to learn that Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal - a father, husband, and tenyear veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office - was taken away from us today.

09/22/2019

09/22/2019

(Harris County, TX) - September 22, 2019 - Hoy, la Jueza del Condado de Harris Lina Hidalgo anunció recursos de recuperación adicionales disponibles para los sobrevivientes de la Tormenta Tropical Imelda.

09/10/2019

09/10/2019

(Harris County, TX) - Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a total of $11.6 million to expand and modernize the county’s ability to protect the environment and enable a proactive response to any potential threats to public health and safety.