Harris County is home to more than 4.7M residents, making it the fourth largest county in the nation. Within its bustling boundaries lies over 30 cities, one of the nation’s most important lifelines – the Houston Ship Channel, America’s most successful toll road – Harris County Toll Road Authority, the renowned Houston Medical Center, and the essential petrochemical plants that supply much of the region.

The County is led by five Commissioners Court members, four Commissioners and one County Judge, who determine tax rates and are responsible for allocating approximately $6 billion worth of funding for pertinent services. These services include the criminal justice system, infrastructure, flood control, hospital district, public health, elections, and much more. Decisions on funding and county operations are made at the Commissioners Court meetings.