Harris County Commissioners approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones and Commissioner Rodney Ellis to enact a groundbreaking living wage policy, significantly increasing the minimum wage for county employees and contractors. The landmark initiative is a direct and necessary response to the growing affordability crisis burdening working families across the country.

Increased Wages, Improved Quality of Life

Under the new policy:  

• All Harris County employees will now make at least $20 per hour, effective May 3, 2025. 
• Contracted workers on County projects solicited after July 1, 2025, must be paid at least $21.65 per hour. 

“Imagine working full-time—cleaning buildings, fixing roads, helping to keep this county running—and still standing in the grocery aisle doing the math on whether you can afford eggs and formula this week,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “Our county contractors and employees deserve better. Today, we said loud and clear that in Harris County, if you put in a hard day’s work, you will have the resources to support your family. This is how we build a stronger Harris County for all.”

With the rising cost of living squeezing household budgets, too many families are forced to make impossible choices between groceries, rent, childcare, and health care—even while working full-time. This policy changes that trajectory for Harris County employees and contractors. By setting a fair living wage, Harris County is ensuring that frontline employees can also afford to live with dignity and stability. From custodial crews to construction teams, thousands of hardworking people will see their lives meaningfully improved. This is more than a pay increase—it’s a bold investment in the people who power our county every day. 

“Today’s historic measure to establish a living wage in Harris County is a step toward justice for all working people, especially the Black and Brown workers and working women who power our economy. We will continue to fight for working people so that they can afford housing, heath care, childcare, utilities, and other necessities, and be able to spend time with the people they love because these are the building blocks for families to thrive. And when families thrive, we all do,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis.  

“Raising the minimum wage in this county has been a long time coming. I am proud of the direction the county is taking today—higher wages will result in better work while also providing families that need it most the ability to afford things like medical care, housing, utilities, childcare, and so many other things that many take for granted. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this effort, and I thank the Commissioners for supporting this policy today,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. 

Harris County is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 20,000 people. 

The wage increase also aims to attract and retain more skilled labor, decreasing turnover and building an experienced workforce.  

"Higher wages are not just about improving individual lives; they have a ripple effect that strengthens families, businesses, and the economy as a whole," said Linda Morales, organizing coordinator of the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. "$15 an hour was a goal 10 years ago—but it’s not enough today. We need a policy that ensures Harris County workers have a living wage!" 

“We are proud Harris County is making sure the workers we rely on can afford to live and work in the county we love,” said Elsa FIores, president of SEIU Texas. “This sets a new standard for workers across Texas, in public and private sectors, to win pay they can survive off of.” 

“A living wage isn’t just about fairness—it’s about ensuring that essential workers can afford housing, food, and healthcare without sacrificing their dignity. When our workers thrive, our entire community thrives”, said Kara Levy, chair, Harris County Essential Workers Board. 

“Workers Defense wants workers in Harris County to be safe and prepared for the job. We also want workers to be able to support themselves and their families! Today, Harris County, through the leadership of the Commissioners, has taken a big step in making that possible for its contracted and employed workers,” said Tevin English, Workers Defense Action Fund. 

This historic initiative builds on Harris County’s track record of empowering workers and advancing economic opportunity, including investments in the Apprenticeship Advantage Program, Hire Up Harris, expanding parental leave, and adding lactation pods to Harris County Court facilities. 

Harris County’s implementation of this policy establishes a framework that can be mirrored by employers throughout the county and sets a precedent for local governments across Texas and the nation.