Jorge's story

Growing up in Baytown, Jorge Granados has fond memories of playing with his friends and exploring his hometown. Since interning with Precinct 2, his love for his hometown has deepened.

He spent this past summer with Precinct 2's Step-up Internship program, shadowing the community relations team. He describes it as eye-opening; seeing first-hand all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making his hometown and others more resilient, prosperous, and safe.

He feels pride in knowing Precinct 2's team cares deeply for the community it serves.

Click here to watch the We are Precinct 2 series

Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center

On August 19, we renamed our East Aldine community center to the Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center. It was a special moment we were honored to share with his family and his brothers and sisters in blue. Deputy Almendarez was shot and killed on March 31, 2022. He was off duty when he interrupted three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter. The community center renaming dedication will keep his legacy of service, courage, and sacrifice alive in the very community that he and his family called home.

National spotlight on Harris County

Women's Empowerment Center

Commissioner Garcia welcomed U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su to Harris County. He and Harris County Sheriff's Office Ed Gonzalez co-hosted a tour of the Women's Empowerment Center for Su and her team. The Women’s Empowerment Center focuses on providing resources to help incarcerated women transition to the workforce upon release.

Port Houston expansion

Commissioner Garcia was honored to join the Port Houston and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newest federally-funded project, Bayport Wharf #6. This project will allow the Bayport Terminal to accommodate four vessels simultaneously, reduce supply chain congestion, create jobs, and increase cargo capacity up to 2.4 million TEUs by 2032.

Harris County Apprenticeship Program

Precinct 2 is proud to partner with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation to get the word out about the Apprenticeship Advantage Program. With support from the federal government, Harris County is investing $9 million to expand access to good jobs and free training through 11 union apprenticeship programs. In this video, you’ll learn about the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 22 apprenticeship opportunity.

The deadline to apply for the insulators program August 31, 2023. Click here to learn about the Apprenticeship Advantage Program.

Behind the Scenes in Precinct 2

Why is summer the best time in Precinct 2? Because we get to have so much fun with you! Watch this video to go behind-the-scenes with Commissioner Garcia to some of this summer’s top moments.

Watch more behind the scenes videos

Revive2Thrive: Infrastructure project updates

Six years ago this month, Hurricane Harvey devastated Harris County damaging thousands of homes including in the South Belt community, an area prone to flooding. Marie Flickinger, a longtime South Belt resident and journalist, has spent decades advocating for flood prevention.

Earlier this year, Flickinger joined Precinct 2 to celebrate the completion of the South Belt Detention Basin. It was a moment that brought her to tears. Watch this video to hear her story and what this project means to her and her community.

We are excited to announce the start of the Creel Country Estates Subdivision drainage improvements project.

The $3 million project will consist of two types of improvements. First, subdivision drainage improvements which consist of replacing driveway culverts to carry more water. Secondly, the regrading of roadside ditches to improve conveyance and drain the subdivision faster. This will help to reduce the risk of structural flooding and designed to handle a 100-year storm event.

Construction is scheduled to begin this October.

Thank you for our dedicated partners at Harris Country Engineering Department and Harris County Flood Control for your continues support.

This month in Commissioners Court, the following Precinct 2 infrastructure project was approved:

Cloverleaf Area Drainage Improvement Project: Commissioner Garcia highlighted Phase One of a drainage improvement project in Carpenters Bayou led by Harris County Flood Control. This project aims to control the sheet flow by redesigning and regrading the roadside ditches in the neighborhood and tying them to proposed storm sewer boxes.

These improvements will take place in two phases targeting the northern and southern areas. Phase One of the $13.9 million project will provide drainage relief in the northern area of the Cloverleaf neighborhood.

In Phase One, 230 homes will benefit -- 75 homes will be removed from the floodplain and155 homes will benefit from a reduction in water surface elevation.

This project is a key example of Commissioner Garcia’s Revive2Thrive Initiative and will help make Cloverleaf safer from the threat of flooding.

View the Precinct 2 Project Dashboard

Here2Serve: Meet Antonio

Antonio Rosario

Precinct 2's Capital Improvement Projects Program Manager

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

A: My principal role in Precinct 2 is to manage projects from conception to completion. My work impacts Precinct 2 residents because we focus on improving their quality of life, safety, and security by providing high-quality infrastructure that they need for transportation, recreation, and community development ...READ MORE

Q: We recently received a thoughtful thank you note from a Precinct 2 family you helped. What did that mean to you?

A: It meant a lot, not because we are looking to be recognized, but because we do what we do to serve the public and not expect anything back. We help thousands of people every year ...READ MORE

This month, Commissioner Garcia led or voted in favor of the following items:

Harris Center Jail Diversion Agreement: Commissioner Garcia voted to approve to renew the funding for the Mental Health Jail Diversion Program operated by the Harris Center. The program helps individuals find the mental health care they need instead of being incarcerated for low-level misdemeanors.

Assistance for Homebuyers: Commissioners Court approved an order to allow the county to work with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to issue bonds or mortgage credit certificates to low- and moderate-income households looking to become homeowners.

Solar Energy Grant: Commissioner Garcia and the court agreed to apply for a share of $400 million that is being made available as part of the “Solar for All” grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. This funding would be used to expand access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Expediting Nuisance Abatement: Commissioners Court approved a request by Public Health to allow them to carry out abatements of nuisance properties without requiring the approval of the court for each abatement. This is expected to expedite the clean-up of nuisance properties by 3-5 weeks.

Budget Hearings

Budget hearings are underway for the 2024 fiscal year. On September 19, it is expected the court will vote on the budget, and the new budget cycle will begin on October 1. Stay up-to-date on the latest discussions by watching Commissioners Court live on Precinct 2’s Facebook page or click here to see the agenda and meeting notices.

Resolution

Commissioner Garcia presented a resolution urging state and federal partners to create a Critical Infrastructure Sector designation for the entirety of the Houston Ship Channel corridor. This designation spotlights how critical the corridor is for security, the economy, public health, and safety for our region and country. Gary Scheibe, Chairman of the Houston Ship Channel Security District accepted the resolution.