Survey is a key component of Judge Hidalgo’s signature civic engagement program, talking transition: Harris County
Harris County, TX – January 28, 2019 – Judge Lina Hidalgo announced today that she is launching a community-wide survey online as part of Talking Transition: Harris County, a civic engagement program designed to help shape the first year of her administration.
The first program of its kind in Harris County, Talking Transition will provide a forum for residents to discuss the issues that matter most to them, learn about the county government and budget, and weigh in on pressing public policy matters.
“Talking Transition is an initiative that invites Harris County residents to engage with their local government We want residents to understand how Harris County government works and to feel connected to their county government,” said Judge Hidalgo. “This is also an opportunity for my administration to learn from community members as we shape our policy agenda moving forward, so we can make sure our government works for everyone.”
The survey is designed to elicit public feedback on several essential issues, such the quality of early childhood education to the availability of reliable public transportation options. Harris County residents will also be able to express their opinions on how storm recovery resources should be prioritized.
The online survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Additionally, teams of canvassers will spread out across Harris County with the survey starting Tuesday, January 29.
The survey launch is the first part of Judge Hidalgo’s signature civic engagement program, which will feature a variety of ways for Harris County residents to interact with and learn more about their local government. Other core components include:
Transparency Project: Announcements throughout the County will provide easily-digestible information about how county government works along with statistics intended to make people eager to learn more.
Offered at a seven locations around Harris County, Civic Saturdays are a series of full-day public events happening on consecutive Saturdays. The first Civic Saturday will take place early February and will be announced soon. Civic Saturdays will be comprised of
• Civic School: Features classroom-style lessons where Harris County residents learn how County government works.
• Town Halls: A a large gathering organized around a specific policy area that will give residents a chance to share new ideas for improving their communities and to hear from others.
• Action Plan Workshops: Smaller working groups for thought leaders and people who have devoted time to specific issues to focus on how to best realize community-driven ideas through County government.