Rodney Ellis

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

When I was elected in 2017, I was the only commissioner focused on social, racial, economic, climate, and criminal justice for all Harris County residents. What a difference seven years has made. Together with my Democratic colleagues, we changed the direction of our county government. I am proud to have led reforms to make Harris County safer and more equitable for all of us – to give every resident a stable foundation and a clear path to build a better life for themselves and their families.

What are the two most important issues affecting the residents of your precinct and what measurable actions will you take to address them?

I will continue to prioritize fair and equitable community safety and criminal legal system reform; to expand access to health care and economic equity and opportunity that does not discriminate based on race, age, sex, gender, or zip code; and to address climate change – in particular, flooding and other impacts of severe weather events, using an equitable framework that addresses the generations of neglect and underinvestment in communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities.

What would be your budget priorities during your term?

Investing historic amounts in safe, healthy, and long-term affordable housing with tenant protections; making the county a good employer and business partner with high-quality jobs, worker protections, and fair and equitable procurement practices; pioneering health-based programs that advance safety and reduce systems of mass incarceration; and initiating our Office of Sustainability to target greenhouse gas emissions and develop a community- and countywide Climate Justice Action Plan.

What initiatives will you implement to inform the public about county services and projects?

My staff and I are active and in the community every day and engaging with residents, community organizations, and advocates. We have the most robust policy operation in Texas and actively reach out to advocates for advice and counsel. We have an active set of community liaisons who make sure district residents and advocates are well-informed and have a strong voice in county government.