Harris County establishes its first LGBTQIA+ commission

• Members of the new commission will be volunteers appointed by Commissioners Court.
• The members will provide recommendations to the court regarding improvements for the community in areas such as health and safety.

Zooming out

Similar advisory boards exist within the city of Houston, including the LGBT advisory board. Members of the board collaborate with the mayor’s office to provide advice and recommendations on issues impacting the community, according to its website.

In Austin, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission works with Austin City Council to address the community’s needs, according to the the group’s website.

What’s next

Officials with Briones’ office said more specifics will be released as the appropriate departments work together. Such departments include the offices within county administration, county attorney and others, according to a news release.

• Together with Precinct 4, they will write bylaws and a membership structure for the commission before returning at a later date to request nominations for who will serve on the commission.