Harris County is taking a landmark step in environmental leadership with the launch of its first-ever Climate Justice Plan. Designed to address climate change through the lens of equity and resilience, the plan marks a historic milestone—not just for the county, but for the nation.
Developed in partnership between the Office of County Administration’s Office of Sustainability and the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience, the plan outlines a roadmap toward a sustainable future that centers community voices and environmental justice.
“This initiative is the first time a US County has prepared a resiliency plan that covers its entire population, as opposed to its bureaucracy alone,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo. “At the heart of this plan are realistic steps to advance issues like clean air, resilient infrastructure, and housing affordability and availability. Many portions of the plan are already in progress, and I look forward to continued advancement over the years.”
Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Precinct 1 highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for bold and coordinated responses. “The climate crisis is among the most urgent and complex challenges facing government and society which demands coordinated action to safeguard our future,” Ellis said.
“All communities deserve equitable solutions that protect the most vulnerable and ensure a livable planet for everyone. I am proud to have championed the creation of the Office of Sustainability, and I am equally proud to see this work culminate in the Climate Justice Plan.”
Community engagement is central to the initiative, and the inclusion of resident voices has been vital to its development.
“I’m honored to see the voices of Precinct 2 residents reflected in this bold Climate Justice Plan. Their time, energy, and lived experiences helped shape a roadmap that speaks to our shared vision for a healthier, more just Harris County. I look forward to continuing this work together to turn these ideas into action and build a future where every community can thrive,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2.
Commissioner Lesley Briones of Precinct 4 noted that elements of the plan are already being implemented locally. “I am proud that Harris County is leading the way as the first county in the nation to adopt a community-driven Climate Justice Plan. In Precinct 4, we’ve already been putting this vision into action—expanding green spaces through the Burnett Bayland Master Plan, planting trees in the Barbara Quattro Forest to reduce the urban heat island effect, and fortifying community centers with backup generators so they can serve as resilience hubs. I’m deeply grateful to the community for your input, passion, and partnership. Together, we’re turning bold ideas into real progress for a greener, healthier, and more resilient Harris County,” she said.
Core Elements of the Plan
The Harris County Climate Justice Plan is rooted in a long-term vision for inclusive, community-led sustainability. It includes:
- A Cross-Cutting Sustainability Framework: Targeting five areas—Ecology, Infrastructure, Economy, Community, and Culture—the plan aims to shape a thriving and sustainable Harris County.
- Residents First: The plan emphasizes climate justice by addressing unequal environmental impacts and engaging affected communities to co-create tailored solutions.
- Community-Driven Approach: Informed by the voices of over 340 residents and organizations, the plan reflects the priorities and diversity of Harris County’s neighborhoods.
- Integrated Systems Thinking: The approach links climate actions to broader systemic issues such as utility stability, housing affordability, food access, and economic opportunity.
- Ongoing Collaboration: The plan is designed as a living document, built to evolve through continued community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and interdepartmental collaboration.
“We’re at an important moment for Harris County, and this plan is our blueprint for the future. It’s not just about tackling climate change—it’s about ensuring that every resident, no matter where they live or what they do, has a chance to thrive in a healthier, more sustainable community. Together, we’re creating a legacy of justice, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come,” said Diana Ramirez, Harris County Administrator.
The Road Ahead
Implementation is the next key phase. County departments and community partners will work together to assess the potential emissions reductions and social impacts of proposed actions. A detailed implementation roadmap will follow, assigning responsibilities, tracking metrics, and establishing timelines for progress.
“There is a lot of momentum around some of these actions today,” said Lisa Lin, Director, Office of Sustainability, OCA. “The implementation phase will bring focus and clarity, ensuring that we work together across departments, organizations, and communities to achieve these goals.”
The initiative is also a realization of long-standing community advocacy.
“From the founding of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER), we have called upon our local elected officials to commit to a vision of our region rooted in equity that addresses pollution, place, and the public’s health. Harris County’s Climate Justice Plan will build a more resilient region. The people of Harris County have been hit hard by disaster after disaster. Now is the time to support our communities so that people can thrive, not merely survive,” said Stefania Tomaskovic, Ph.D., Coalition Director, CEER.
As Harris County moves into action, it sets a national precedent—demonstrating how large local governments can lead climate action with equity and resilience at the core.
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