Elected Officials Houston - State & Federal
Introduction to Houston's Elected Officials
Living in Houston, you are lucky to have a dedicated group of elected officials working hard to represent and improve our city.
From the Mayor to City Council members, they make decisions impacting residents daily lives. Knowing who they are and their roles is key. Let’s explore the key figures in Houston’s government.
The Mayor of Houston Duties and Responsibilities
The Mayor of Houston is a key part of the city’s administration. Sylvester Turner is the current Mayor. Since 2016, he has focused on improving infrastructure, public safety, and engaging with the community.
Responsibilities of the Mayor
* City Administration: The Mayor manages various departments, ensuring smooth operations.
* Policy Implementation: Works with the City Council to develop and put policies into practice.
* Budget Management: Prepares and presents the city budget, balancing different needs while keeping an eye on fiscal responsibility.
* Public Safety: Works with police and fire departments to keep our community safe.
* Community Engagement: Connects with residents through town halls and community events to address concerns.
Having a proactive Mayor who listens to us makes a huge difference in our city life. You can reach the Mayor’s office at City Hall or through their official website.
Contact Information:
* Office of the Mayor: City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Phone: (713) 837-0311 Website Mayor’s Office
Houston City Council
The City Council is the legislative body guiding the city’s direction. It consists of 16 members representing different parts of Houston, making sure all neighborhoods have a voice in city governance.
Structure of the City Council
* District Members: There are 11 district representatives. They bring local issues to the forefront and advocate for community-specific needs.
* At-Large Members: There are five at-large members who represent the entire city. They focus on broader issues impacting all of us, such as citywide infrastructure projects and public services.
City Council meetings are held weekly at City Hall and are open to the public. These meetings provide a great opportunity for us to participate in local government, voice our concerns, and stay informed about city affairs.
Contact Information for City Council:
Office Location: City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Phone: (832) 393-1100 Website City Council
Harris County Officials
Houston is part of Harris County, and several county officials play significant roles in Houston’s governance. These officials include the County Judge, County Commissioners, and the Sheriff. They oversee various aspects of county administration and services impacting our daily lives.
Key Harris County Officials
* County Judge: Lina Hidalgo serves as the County Judge and presides over the Commissioners Court. She handles the county’s overall administration and emergency management.
* County Commissioners: The Commissioners Court consists of four commissioners representing different precincts in Harris County. They manage county budgets, infrastructure projects, and services.
* Sheriff: Ed Gonzalez, our Sheriff, oversees law enforcement and the county jail system. His work is crucial for maintaining public safety and order.
These officials collaborate to make sure the county’s resources are used effectively to benefit all residents. Their offices are located in downtown Houston, making it easy for us to reach out with any concerns or questions.
Contact Information:
– Harris County Judge: 1001 Preston St, Suite 911, Houston, TX 77002 Phone: (713) 274-7000 Website Harris County Judge
State Representatives and Senators
Our representation extends beyond the city and county levels to the state legislature. Houston is represented by numerous State Representatives and State Senators in Austin, who advocate for the interests at the state level.
Role of State Legislators
* Legislation: State legislators draft and vote on laws affecting the entire state. This includes everything from education funding to healthcare policies.
* Constituent Services: They assist residents with issues related to state government, such as navigating state services or addressing legal concerns.
* Budget Approval: State legislators play a role in approving the state budget, impacting funding for various programs and services in Houston.
Notable state legislators include State Senator John Whitmire and State Representative Senfronia Thompson. They have been strong advocates for the community and have worked on numerous important issues.
Contact Information:
Texas State Capitol: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 463-0001 Website: Texas Legislature
Federal Representatives
Houston’s interests are also represented at the federal level by members of Congress. This includes U.S. Senators and Representatives who advocate for the city in Washington, D.C.
Houston’s Federal Legislators
– U.S. Senators: John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.
– U.S. Representatives: Sheila Jackson Lee (District 18), Al Green (District 9), and several others.
Contact Information:
Senator John Cornyn: 517 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-2934 Website: Senator John Cornyn
Senator Ted Cruz: 127A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5922 Website: Senator Ted Cruz
History of Houston's Elected Offices
The history of elected offices in Houston dates back to the city’s founding in 1836. Over the years, the structure of local government has evolved to meet the needs of a growing population. From the first mayoral election to the establishment of the City Council, Houston’s governance has a rich history.
Milestones in Houston’s Government
* First Mayor: James S. Holman, elected in 1837.
* City Council Formation: Established in the late 19th century to provide broader representation.
* Modern Governance: The current structure with district and at-large council members was adopted to ensure diverse representation.
