Primary Department: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: David Wright
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): U.S. Department of Agriculture
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for approval of one position effective October 18, 2025 for the Houston Advanced Research Center ForUsTree: Creating an Inclusive Community Canopy within Houston and Harris County Program.
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Background and Discussion:
Geotechnology Research Institute (GTRI) of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has been awarded federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Services for an initiative that will increase tree canopy, foster community resilience, and improve access to employment in underserved communities in Houston and Harris County. The initiative, "ForUsTree: Creating an Inclusive Community Canopy within Houston and Harris County," will use equitable and inclusive engagement and a community-based approach to implement multiple tree plantings, reforestation projects, and educational activities in the region's most vulnerable areas. GTRI and the County desire to enter into this Agreement in furtherance of the "ForUsTree: Creating an Inclusive Community Canopy within Houston and Harris County" initiative. Each of the following County Departments will be executing their own respective ILA with GTRI: Texas Agri-Life, Harris County Flood Control District, Precinct 2, Precinct 3, and Precinct 4. A part-time position, Coordinator II (Community Engagement Coordinator), will be hired to work alongside all partners of this project (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Harris County, HARC, Parks & Rec departments, Harris County Precincts, American YouthWorks, Student Conservation Association, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Harris County Flood Control, and others).
Expected Impact:
There is no anticipated budget impact to the County. The program will increase tree canopy, foster community resilience, and improve access to employment in underserved communities in Houston and Harris County.
Alternative Options:
Reject the request
County Strategic Plan Goal: 5. Minimize the impact of climate change and disasters.
County Strategic Plan Objective: S: Equitably reduce the health, economic, and other impacts of climate change and disasters.
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): S2: Prioritize the preservation of trees and expand the tree canopy program in underserved areas.
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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09/19/2024 |
436 |
Approved grant interlocal agreement |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Service Name |
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Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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Grant |
$114,750 |
$35,000 |
$149,750 |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Existing Budget |
$114,750 |
$35,000 |
$149,750 |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Funding Sources |
$114,750 |
$35,000 |
$149,750 |
$ |
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Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only) |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
No. of Grant Years |
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Local Match Source - Existing Budget: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
0- |
- |
- |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
1- |
- |
- |
- |
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Total Personnel |
1- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 10/16/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/18/2025
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Diana Todd-Groce, Business Manager, Dept 821
Attachments (if applicable): Position Job Description