Primary Department: Flood Control District
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Tina Petersen, Ph.D., P.E., Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of a policy recommending best practices on how to improve efficiency and coordination regarding clean up and maintenance of the County’s floodways owned by the Flood Control District, as it pertains to unhoused individuals.
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Background and Discussion:
On May 7, 2024, Commissioners Court discussed an item related to maintenance of Flood Control District-owned land and people experiencing homelessness. During that discussion, Commissioners Court directed the Flood Control District to develop a policy focused on clean up and maintenance of Flood Control District-owned property as it relates to unhoused individuals.
The item requested the Harris County Flood Control District, Sheriff’s Office, Housing and Community Development Department, Public Health Services, Fire Marshal’s Office, and County Attorney’s Office to coordinate with the City of Houston, Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, Texas Department of Transportation, and others on the policy development.
An update was provided to Commissioners Court on August 6, 2024, to share progress on the coordination and discussions to date. As the process has moved forward, the Flood Control District and other named entities have reviewed existing policies and potential legal considerations, investigated best practices and current guidelines for various agencies in Harris County, and hosted numerous discussions to work through the best way to coordinate between a complex network of stakeholders as multiple entities address encampments on their rights-of-way.
The resulting policy outlines a process for identifying, coordinating on, and addressing encampments on Flood Control District right-of-way across Harris County. While this policy is specific to the Flood Control District and the property we manage, it serves as an important first step in opening dialogue between all of the critical parties involved and laying the groundwork for a broader homelessness engagement and assistance strategy for Harris County and partners.
Expected Impact:
The policy will provide clarity on processes and expectations for coordination around encampments on Flood Control District right-of-way and serve as a basis for future policies from Harris County.
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well-maintained infrastructure.
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): I4: Encourage the growth of natural habitats in County channels and improve cleanliness of green spaces while reducing debris and enhancing beautification.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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5/7/2024 |
223. |
Directed the Flood Control District to return to the August 6 with an update on actions taken. |
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8/6/2024 |
342. |
Transmittal by the Flood Control District to provide an update on the May 7th directive from Commissioners Court to create a countywide policy recommending best practices on how to improve efficiency and coordination with all agencies in regard to clean up and maintenance of the County’s floodways owned by the Flood Control District, especially as it pertains to unhoused individuals. |
Location: N/A
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 5/8/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Yesenia Martinez, Commissioners Court Coordinator, Flood Control District
Attachments (if applicable): Encampment Closure Process