Holding Harris County Accountable

Judge Hidalgo gives an update about reforms to Harris County’s procurement process.

Nearly 15 months ago, Commissioners Court learned from an independent Auditor’s report that Harris County departments were not meeting basic procurement standards. After continued public attention, Commissioners Court voted last April for the first time in 50 years to pass major reforms to the county’s procurement processes. While departments have made some progress, a recent audit found that departments still have yet to fully implement the reforms approved by Commissioners Court last April.

It’s important to have an accountable procurement system, one that protects taxpayer dollars and eliminates any perception of impropriety. If the county can make its procurement process more efficient, it will save millions of taxpayer dollars that could go directly to public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. Going forward, Judge Hidalgo will advocate for all Flood Control and Engineering contracts to be awarded within the Purchasing Department. She’s committed to working with county departments and her colleagues to ensure that procurement reforms are implemented and institutionalized.

Supporting Law Enforcement at National Night Out

Judge Hidalgo’s team visits National Night Out events throughout the county.

Every October, communities across Harris County come together to strengthen the bond between residents and law enforcement during National Night Out. Judge Hidalgo’s team visited neighborhoods across the county to connect with families, local leaders, and first responders, to share resources and support public safety.

Strengthening Cultural Relationships in Taiwan and Japan

Judge Hidalgo meets with Director General Yvonne Hsiao and staff from the Taipei Economic Cultural Office in Houston.

Harris County shares deep cultural and economic connections, rooted in innovation and collaboration, with Japan and Taiwan. Judge Hidalgo met with Director General Yvonne Hsiao from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to discuss opportunities to strengthen Harris County and Taiwan’s economic and cultural partnership. Judge Hidalgo also met with Japanese Consul General Zentaro Naganuma and the Greater Houston Partnership Vice President John Cypher to discuss how to further advance Japan and Harris County’s shared priorities in trade, investment, innovation and cultural exchange.

Building International Economic Partnerships

Judge Lina Hidalgo meets with Tak Ishikawa, the President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to discuss local investments in clean energy technologies.

Judge Hidalgo met with Tak Ishikawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the clean energy industry. Since relocating its U.S. headquarters to Houston in 2016, Mitsubishi has created more than 1,200 local jobs. As Chair of the Japan-America Society of Houston and past president of the Japan Business Association of Houston, Mr. Ishikawa plays a leading role in strengthening ties between Houston’s Japanese business community and local government.

Fighting for Clean Energy and Green Jobs

Judge Hidalgo speaks out against federal funding cuts to the Solar for All program alongside Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and other community leaders.

Judge Lina Hidalgo joined the Harris County Attorney’s Office to speak out against the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Solar for All program, a federal grant created under the Biden-Harris Administration to help communities like Harris County lower energy costs, create green jobs, improve disaster resiliency and tackle the growing challenges of climate change.

Harris County planned to use Solar for All funding to:

Save residents up to $1,740 a year on their utility bills by increasing access to clean energy. Roughly 40% of low- to moderate-income Texas households reported finding their energy bills unaffordable, according to data from the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute.
Provide clean energy at little to no upfront cost in low-income communities by funding the construction of new solar facilities on public land for retail electricity providers, which would have been a first-of-its-kind program in Texas.
Improve Harris County’s disaster resilience by creating community hubs powered by reserves of solar energy that residents can go to during power outages.
Bolster the clean energy workforce by investing in women- and minority- owned businesses, apprenticeship programs and community college programs related to clean energy.

Standing with Hilton Americas Workers

Judge Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis speak with representatives from UNITE HERE Local 23 at Commissioners Court.

The Hilton Americas-Houston service workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 23, recently stood together in solidarity to advocate for fair wages and better working conditions, and respect on the job. Their collective effort led to a newly ratified contract that sets a higher standard for the hospitality industry across the region. At Commissioners Court earlier this month, Judge Lina Hidalgo recognized the workers’ advocacy and thanked them for their efforts to support hospitality employees who play a vital role in Harris County’s economy and tourism industry.

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence

Judge Hidalgo passes a resolution at Commissioners Court designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Harris County.

Each year, more than 12 million people in the nation experience domestic violence. Since Judge Hidalgo took office in 2019, Harris County has invested more than $22.6M in combating domestic violence. At Commissioners Court earlier this month, Judge Lina Hidalgo designated October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Harris County to recognize the county partners who help make this work possible and to reaffirm Harris County’s ongoing commitment to support survivors.

CJO in the News

Our very own, Selena Garcia, was featured in the Houston Chronicle in recognition of her incredible story of persistence, educational pursuit, and innovation for immigration justice. We are honored to have Selena as part of the County Judge’s Office team, spearheading policy and leading efforts that center community driven advocacy. Read the inspiring story here: http://bit.ly/48wowmv.