What to Expect at Harris County Commissioners Court

The basics

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.

What happens at the meeting

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

How to give public comment

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.

Tips for first-timers

• 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.

Getting there

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.

After the meeting

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

Who represents you

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