Commissioner, Precinct 1· 2017-2028
Rodney Ellis
Harris County
About
Rodney Ellis's reported actions and platform focus on public safety accountability, specifically advocating for local oversight and funding for investigations into fatal incidents involving law enforcement agencies like ICE.
Campaign promises (1)
- public-safetyRodney Ellis advocated that Harris County earmark funding for a local investigation into a fatal ICE shooting.Related votes
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 20
- Total speaking time
- 6:28:26
- Avg per meeting
- 19:25
- Segments
- 7247
Want every word Ellis has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Ellis said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Harris County Jail Operations and Conditions
Directly impacts costly out-of-county inmate outsourcing expenditures.
Election Administration Capacity
The cost of the election is covered by the existing county election budget.
Automated License Plate Reader Privacy and Oversight
The contract renewal costs $868,975 for the year.
Data Center Growth and Environmental Burdens
Potential tax abatements and substantial capital investments from private technology corporations.
Flood Mitigation Strategy
Protected hundreds of millions in federal infrastructure grants and unlocked roughly $125 million in additional mitigation work.
county election
The office manages a significant legal budget, so the winner’s approach to litigation and outside counsel could shift how your tax dollars are spent.
FY 2027 County Budget and Property Tax Increase
Impacts all county taxpayers and department funding levels for the upcoming fiscal year.
data center regulation
You might see lower utility bills or more stable energy prices if these centers are forced to pay more for the massive amount of power they consume.
immigration policy enforcement
Taxpayers could be on the hook for massive legal fees as the city and state burn through cash fighting this out in court.
Public Safety Staffing and Pay Parity
County faces a projected $130 million budget deficit next year while constable pay has grown 129% since 2024.
County Treasurer Salary Grievance
The county spent $54.4 million on temporary workers in 2025.
Public Health and Pollution Control Funding
Proposed budget offsets could result in a $1.6 million reduction in psychiatric emergency services.
HISD Special Education Restructuring Concerns
While the exact price tag isn't clear yet, fighting a state takeover in court and restructuring district management will likely drain local taxpayer dollars.
public official conduct
While there's no direct hit to your wallet yet, potential legal fees or a special election to replace her could eventually cost taxpayers.
political candidacy
The race will likely trigger a special election or appointment process to fill her council seat, which will cost taxpayers money.
ICE Shooting Transparency
Diverting local police time to handle federal immigration tasks could end up costing taxpayers more by pulling officers away from local crime prevention.
Housing Affordability and Eviction Prevention
The department is managing a $156 million total budget, with $20.7 million in general fund support.
Infrastructure and Permitting Efficiency
Includes various contract additions, deductions, and engineering fees totaling several million dollars.
County Facility Capital Improvements and Repairs
$2,228,375 contract award
Black Maternal Health Initiative and Mortality Rates
Supported by previously allocated ARPA and county health funds.
Decisions during term (1374)
Recorded while Ellis was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Consent agenda (all items except 65, 84, 188, and no-action items)
Item 65 — Lone Star Legal Aid eviction defense funding
Item 84 — Naturalization Initiative Program grant
Item 188 — LGBTQ+ History Month resolution
Resolutions 180-187 and 189-191
Request for approval of the reappointment of Carol Paret, a nominee from the County Judge, to the Harris County Hospital District Board of Trustees, dba Harris Health System Board, Position 5, for a term beginning January 24, 2027, and…
Request for approval of the appointment of David Trickett, a nominee from the Commissioner of Precinct 3, to the Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel Board of Directors, for a term ending October 29, 2030.
Request for approval of the appointment of Markia Bordeaux, a nominee from the Commissioner of Precinct 4, to the African American Cultural Heritage Commission, Position 4, for a term beginning October 30, 2026, and ending October 30, 2028.
Request for approval of the reappointment of Rixi Castillo, a nominee from the Commissioner of Precinct 4, to the Harris County Essential Workers Board, Position 4, for a term ending October 29, 2029.
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Universal Services for the Telephone System Repair Replace project in the additional amount of $865,000 for total CP funding of $6,510,000.
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Office of Justice and Safety for the CSCD Complex - Atascocita Phase 2 project in the additional amount of $5,055,000 for a total CP funding of $75,515,000.
Request for approval of authorized budget appropriation transfers for the Flood Control District and certain county departments.
Request for approval to change classifications on certain positions.
Request for approval to execute an agreement with Geoscience Engineering & Testing, Inc. in the amount of $284,125.00 for Professional Engineering Services regarding Construction Materials Testing and related Service for Roadway…
Request for approval to execute an agreement with Alliance Laboratories, Inc. in the amount of $609,001.00 for Professional Engineering Services regarding Construction Materials Testing and related Service for Roadway Maintenance - Asphalt…
Request for approval to execute an agreement with InfraTECH Engineers & Innovators, LLC. in the amount of $501,406.28 for professional engineering services in connection with Study and Design of Frick Road Sidewalk from Ann Louise Road to…
Request for approval to execute an Advance Funding Agreement with TXDOT in the amount of $66,147.38 for the traffic signal installation in connection with Traffic Signal - Mueschke Rd at US-290 - 2026, UPIN 26103JZ7BB01, Precinct 3.
Request for approval to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Jacinto City, allowing Harris County to provide limited-period debris removal services with full cost reimbursement upon Court approval, for Harris County, UPIN…
Request for approval to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Tomball in connection with construction of a trail within Jerry Matheson Park, conveyance of the land to Harris County from City of Tomball to Harris County where…
Request for approval to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Seabrook to construct various improvements to North Meyer Avenue from SH 146 to East Meyer Avenue, UPIN 26102CYW8C01, Precinct 2.
Voting record (21)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.