Houston Government Directory

One of the nation's busiest ports. Governed by the Port Commission. Key issues: Ship Channel dredging, environmental justice, industrial expansion, and capital contracts.

Primary law enforcement for the City of Houston. Largest municipal police department in Texas. Key accountability areas: use-of-force, staffing, overtime, and homicide clearance rates.

Houston's regional transit authority (METRO). Operates bus, METRORail, METROBus, and paratransit. Board meetings at 1900 Main St. University Line indefinitely postponed (2024).

Governing body of Harris County. County Judge and four precinct commissioners. Oversees flood control, budget, indigent defense, law enforcement funding, and procurement.

Operates the Harris County jail — the third largest in the US — and provides law enforcement in unincorporated Harris County. Key issues: jail conditions, in-custody deaths, and staffing.

Mayor John Whitmire (elected Nov 2023) leads City government at 901 Bagby St. City Hall. Council sets budget, approves major contracts, and oversees all city departments.

Maintains all Harris County civil and criminal court records. Primary custodian of case filings, docket entries, and court records — a key public records access point.

Manages Houston's street, drainage, and infrastructure capital program. Oversees billions in annual capital spending including drainage improvements post-Harvey.