Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones championed, and Commissioners Court approved, a significant wage increase for 222 Harris Center employees who provide critical mental health and disability services to residents across the region.

Harris Center employees are not Harris County employees and therefore were not included in the County’s newly established $20-an-hour living wage policy. Tuesday’s Court action extends that same standard to Harris Center employees, at a time when families across the community face an escalating affordability crisis and cuts to critical federal assistance.

“Families are suffering, and the cost of living keeps rising, while the federal and state governments look away. But we won't rest. This budget reflects our priorities: protecting frontline services, getting resources directly to people, and investing in the working families that keep our community running. One job should be enough. That's why we remain committed to building a stronger, safer Harris County for every family we serve,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.

"Every day, Harris Center employees do extraordinary work supporting people with some of the most complex needs in our community. This investment means every Harris Center employee will earn at least $20 an hour, and it sends a clear message that their work is valued and their contribution matters," said Keena Pace, Chief Executive Officer, Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

"We're thrilled that United Workers of Harris Center and County leaders have secured a 6% raise for all employees. That's huge for our members, and it means the people caring for our community's mental health can finally afford to live in it," said Brian Kelley, Secretary-Treasurer, United Workers of Harris Center Local 6154.

Additional investments for working families include the Apprenticeship Advantage Program, which has served 1,800 residents and achieved a 100% job-placement rate in its trades program, the Consultation Policy that covers over 5,600 employees, and Harris County’s Worksite Safety Policy, which requires site-specific safety plans and inspections.

"A budget reveals our priorities, and this one shows Harris County choosing to stand with working people at a time when our state and federal leaders are abandoning them. We're grateful to Commissioner Briones and her colleagues for making labor's priorities part of this budget, from fair pay to worksite safety to a voice for County and Harris Center employees," said Hany Khalil, Executive Director, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation.

"Affordability is on everyone's mind this year. Harris County is building real pathways to the middle class, and Apprenticeship Advantage is the gold standard, serving over 1,800 residents and opening doors to good-paying careers. All working people are asking for is a fair shot, and this brings us closer to that," said Stephen Gonzalez, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 716.

The proposed budget pays for the inspectors and staff who enforce the County's Worksite Safety Policy. Texas leads the nation in workplace deaths, with just one OSHA inspector per 70,000 workers. In effect since July 1, the Worksite Safety Policy requires heat illness plans, 10-minute paid breaks every four hours, and stop-work authority for workers who identify unsafe conditions.

"No worker should have to choose between their job and their life. This budget keeps our updated worksite safety policy staffed and enforced, prioritizes contractors with strong safety records, and requires real safety plans on every county-funded project. That's a win for workers and for taxpayers," said Jennifer Hernandez, Director of Governmental Affairs, IUPAT District Council 10.

As one of the region’s largest employers, Harris County passed its first-ever Consultation Policy under the leadership of Commissioners Briones and Ellis, giving employees a formal channel to weigh in on the personnel rules and workplace decisions that govern their jobs The proposed budget funds its implementation for 5,691 eligible employees, who gain a Consultation Agent chosen by their peers and representation in grievance matters.

"I applaud Commissioner Briones for funding the implementation of our new consultation policy. AFSCME workers helped craft it, and it's one more example of the County listening to workers and backing it with real money. County workers know their jobs better than anyone, and giving them a voice makes Harris County work better for everyone," said Jozette Dowdell, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive and worker-first approach to strengthening opportunity, supporting working families, and building a stronger Harris County.

A public hearing on the full budget is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.