Policy & Innovation

Affordability & Economic Opportunity

“We are working to make the American Dream an American reality for every resident by expanding access to good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening economic security for families.”

Supporting housing stability for senior and disabled residents.

  • Homestead exemptions of up to $320,000.

Making the American Dream an American reality. 
  • Skilled trades training in partnership with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation.
  • Tech apprenticeships delivered through NPower.
  • Served 1,057 participants — exceeding initial goals.
  • Enrollment includes 64% Hispanic participants and 10.2% women in trades (three times the national average).

Supporting working families and our economy.

  • Providing a 100% property‑tax exemption for qualifying child‑care providers.

Opening the doors of county contracting to small businesses.

  • Providing support with RFP navigation, vendor registration, and business‑growth assistance.

Leveling the playing field for historically underutilized businesses.

  • Achieved 26% Minority‑ and Women‑Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) utilization — up from 9% in 2020.
  • $237 million spent through MWBE vendors.

Summer learning program.

  • Eight‑week, teacher‑led curriculum.
  • Serving 125 students across five community centers.

Free after‑school care.

  • Serving ages 5–13, from 3–7 p.m.
  • Available at the Fonteno and Glazier community centers.

Supporting nursing parents in the workplace.
  • Installed five lactation pods in county facilities.
  • Updated the county’s workplace lactation policy.