Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE
2 Harris County courts to study eviction diversion Two Harris County courts are aiming to fill two new full-time positions by the end of October focused on finding new ways, under Texas law, to strengthen eviction diversion efforts and improve
Harris County officials adopt $2.7B budget Harris County will be operating fiscal year 2023-24 on a $2.7 billion budget, a $500 million increase from last year’s budget, after commissioners unanimously approved the amount on Sept. 19. Digging deeper According to officials, the budget includes the most significant investment in public safety in the county’s history. • $119 million to law enforcement • $5 million to provide body-worn cameras to jail staff • $7.8 million in additional jail medical costs Other countywide funding includes $128 million for Harris County Flood Control District and $888 million for Harris Health.
Harris County eviction filings Since funding for county and city rental pandemic protections ended in 2022, eviction rates in Houston have skyrocketed.
80K 60K 40K 20K 0 100K
80K
housing stability. What happened
Funding for the new positions was awarded in September by the National Center for State Courts’ Eviction Diversion Initiative to Justice of the Peace courtrooms covering Harris County Precinct 1-2— represented by Judge Steve Duble—and Precinct 2-2, represented by Judge Dolores Lozano. The joint application by the two judges was one of 10 to be approved nationally for the funding. The courts cover northwest and far southeast Houston. Why it matters Since January, more than 57,800 eviction cases
*2023 DATA IS AS OF SEPT. 20
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS, JANUARY ADVISORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
have been filed in Harris County, totaling more than $131 million in claims, according to consulting firm January Advisors. As of September, the county was on track to return to prepandemic historical averages for evictions. The approach With this grant, Duble said the two courts could connect people with social and legal services.
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MARTINA LEMOND DIXON FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E With a focus on decreasing crime, preventing future flooding, and maintaining fiscal responsibility, I am dedicated to fighting for what is best for our community. In District E, your safety and peace of mind matter, as a family of six who flooded in Harvey, I understand firsthand the profound impact of flooding and many other issues residents are facing, like exorbitant water bills. Together, we can build a brighter future for District E.
Experienced Leadership
Endorsed: •Houston Chronicle •Commissioner Tom Ramsey •Houston Police Officers Union, HPOU •Harris County Deputies’ Organization, HCDO •Houston Area Realtors, HAR •Greater Houston Builders Association, GHBA •American Council of Engineering Companies, ACEC •Houston Contractors Association, HOUCON •Houston Apartment Association, HAA •Baptist Ministers’ Association of Houston and Vicinity PAC •Afro American Police Officers League, AAPOL
Qualified: •CEO of Small Construction Permitting Company •Humble ISD School Board, Immediate Past President •Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Commissioner •Harris Central Appraisal District, Board of Directors, Chair
Former Public Service: •Leadership Lake Houston Class 3 President •Lake Houston Family YMCA Board •Humble ISD Education Foundation Executive Board •Greentree Elementary PTA Board •Humble High School PTSA President •Humble ISD Council of PTAs Executive Board •Humble ISD PTA Legislative Delegate ...and much more!
VOTE TODAY Early Voting Oct 23-Nov 3 Election Day Nov 7
Education: North Shore High School - Auburn University, BA - Louisiana State University, MA - Cornell University, MBA Candidate
Political Ad Paid for by Martina Lemond Dixon Campaign
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