Department: Community Services
Department Head/Elected Official: Thao Costis, Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval to change the department name from the Community Services Department to the Housing and Community Development Department.
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Background and Discussion:
The Community Services Department has evolved, with our commitment to the community leading us to a name change. Rebranding as the Department of Housing and Community Development is clearer and more accurate. It allows the public, developers, partners, and our internal stakeholders to better understand the services we provide.
This rebrand better reflects our core mission, enhances our visibility, and underscores our dedication to excellence in serving Harris County residents through housing, development, and related services and partner support.
The Community Services Department has a rich history that spans over six decades. Below is a timeline of this transformation:
• Department established on February 1, 1957, as the Harris County Welfare Department
• In 1975, Commissioners’ Court created the Harris County Community Development Agency to administer community development block grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, enveloping this unit within the Welfare Department
• In 1991, the Welfare Department was renamed the Housing and Community Development Department to reflect expanding responsibilities that were delegated to the department
• In 1995, the Housing and Community Development Department grow again, absorbing the Harris County Social Services Agency, further broadening the scope of the department
• Between 1997 and 2002, the Housing and Community Development Department continued to grow and take on more, leading to several name changes in a short time period
• In 2003, the Social Services Agency demerged from the department
• In 2007, the Social Services Agency was merged back at the direction of Commissioners’ Court
• In 2008, the Housing and Community Development Department was renamed the Harris County Community Services Department
Reasons for the most recent rebrand and department rename include:
1. Clarity. The Community Services Department receives calls and visitors for a number of services we do not provide including fulfilling community service hours. The proposed department name change will prevent confusion and clearly communicate the department’s role and purposed in the community.
2. Standardization. Rebranding the Community Services Department to the Department of Housing and Community Development is consistent with similar departments across the country. It identifies the department mission of strengthening communities through investments in housing, infrastructure, and services that promote resilience and permanent housing.
3. Accountability. Changing the department name will keep employees focused on the mission and discourage growth that is not aligned to the purpose of the department. It will create more transparency in the work we do and allow the department to more clearly define its objectives and track goals and progression.
The Harris County Housing and Community Development Department represents a significant milestone in our department's evolution - coming home to our original mission and focusing on what we do best for the Harris County community. The rebrand will is a symbolic gesture, but more importantly, it is a vital step towards better serving our community and shaping a brighter future for all Harris County residents.
Expected Impact:
No direct fiscal impact. However, the department expects indirect fiscal impact to this rebrand, which includes new signage and templates later. The Community Services Department is currently under contract with consultant, Outreach Strategists, that involves a new website, logo, and department identity in addition to general marketing and communications support. These funds are already encumbered thus there is no additional fiscal impact to the rebrand.
Alternative Options:
The alternative would be for the Community Services Department to keep its name. The current name has challenges as the public does not understand the department’s purpose. Additionally, as the Community Services Department has moved away from providing direct services, the name has become inaccurate.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
X Economic Opportunity
X Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
X Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any): N/A
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Anticipated Court Date: November 14, 2023
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): N/A
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Anita Green, Chief Operating Officer, Community Services Department
Attachments (if applicable): HC HCDD Brand Manual