Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Department Head/Elected Official: Estella Gonzalez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Transmittal
Project ID (if applicable):
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MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
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Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Transmittal by the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity on behalf of the Harris County Essential Workers Board describing their inaugural town hall held on April 15, 2024.
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Background and Discussion:
On November 30, 2021, Commissioners Court established the Harris County Essential Workers Board (EWB), adopting the EWB Bylaws and directing the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) to launch the EWB. The purpose of the Harris County Essential Workers Board is to provide feedback and recommendations to the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity and other relevant Harris County Departments and, where appropriate, serve in an advisory capacity to Commissioners Court on Harris County programs, policies, and initiatives that recognize and support workers.
With the appointment of Precinct 4’s candidate in October 2023, the board’s final vacancy was filled in time for the last meeting of the year, and the group was ready to forecast the upcoming year. The EWB set a goal for 2024 of hosting a town hall meeting to engage essential workers in the community, provide a platform for workers to express their needs and concerns, and share resources aimed at supporting and addressing the unique challenges of essential workers in Harris County. The board held its inaugural town hall on April 15, 2024.
Expected Impact:
The EWB submits a transmittal of their town hall held on April 15, 2024. The transmittal includes some comments and concerns received from the essential worker's community at the town hall. These insights will inform the Essential Workers Board as they move forward with developing policy recommendations and considering their next steps.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
X Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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1/9/2024 |
236 |
Transmittal by DEEO of Essential Workers Board’s 2023 Annual Report |
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1/31/2023 |
162 |
Approval of the stipend policy for the Essential Workers Board (EWB) members |
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5/10/2022 |
281 |
Approved DEEO establishing a Stipend Policy |
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11/30/2021 |
251 |
Creation of the Essential Workers Board |
Location:
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: June 4, 2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department:
Estella Gonzalez, Executive Director, Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity
Jie Wu, Director, Program Planning & Innovation, Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity
Bryonne Cummings, Assistant Director Policy, Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity
Attachments (if applicable):
Town Hall Summary
Town Hall Proceedings