Local Government issues Presentation
Pol/215
Overview
Area of choice and demographicsLocal forms of governmentMajor elected officialsMajor public issuesHow issues are addressed 2 potential and realistic solutions to public policy issues
Houston AreaArea and demographic
Houston, Texas – Urban AreaLargest City in TexasPopulation estimated 2.19 million with subdivisions 6.19 millionMedian income for a household in the city is $45,728
Local Forms of government
Texas Enterprise FundSocial ServicesCountiesCities
Continued…
State RevenuesSocial Security (FICA)Income taxesMedicareState taxes/ non tax sourcesVehicle salesHousing sales and rentalsFederal government transfers
MaJor Elected Officials
MayorSilvester TurnerElected Feb. 20, 2015Elected Ceo of city councilExecuted officerCity Council16 members of city councilSets policy, plans and approve budgetsAppoints officialsEstablishes departments
City Officials
Board of commission – Danielle BartzAgenda director – Marta CrinejoSpecial advisor to the mayor on transportation – Maureen crockerHouston emergency center director – David cutlerChief of staff – Marvalette hunterChief of police – Charles a. McClelland jr.
Major Public Issues
Unemployment (2017) – 4.9%Underemployment – 8.5%Health care issuesQuality public schoolsTax fairnesspoverty
How Issues are addressed
Census bureauNational government for homelessState and government resourcesBudgeting in school
Issue 1 addressed
PovertyHelp with state program veto homeless assistance ActEducate on resourcesEducating leaders and their community
Issue 2 addressed
SchoolHigher expectationsImprovement of schoolsSame level of atonomyGives same opportunity
Refrences:
http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Demographics/demograph_docs/income_avgs.htmhttp://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/https://www.tsl.texas.gov/govt/index.htmlhttps://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.tx_houston_msa.htm