State of the County

Ed Emmett takes on government scandals with ethics overhaul, looks to theAstrodome's future

Judge Ed Emmett addressed 1000 attendees at the annual forum.
Photo by Whitney Radley
In the subsequent press conference, Emmett said that he's "sick and tired" ofethics violations.
Photo by Whitney Radley

The past year has been a tough one for Harris County, with numerous revelations of corruption within the government. But Harris County Judge Ed Emmett wants to shift the focus from the negative and reflect, instead, upon the positive.

At the Greater Houston Partnership's State of the County luncheon on Wednesday, a bagpipe brigade kicked off the ceremony for a crowd of more than 1,000 area business leaders and public servants seated in the Hilton Americas Grand Ballroom.

Throughout the annual address — Emmett's fifth since assuming office in 2007— the judge painted Harris County as "a county of substance."

"The easy answer is to say the state of Harris County is good, far better than most governmental entities," Emmett said.

Emmett enumerated the programs and projects underway and in the queue, acknowledging the genuine and diligent work of the county's 15,000-plus employees.

He made mention of the ongoing, much-needed construction and expansion of roadways within the county, repeatedly referred to the contentious drainage issues and expressed appreciation for hard work put in by the Harris County Office of Emergency Management and the County Fire Marshal's Office during the wildfires in the fall.

In short, Emmett promoted Harris County as progressive and rapidly growing, with leaders committed to efficient and effective governing.

"The easy answer is to say the state of Harris County is good, far better than most governmental entities," Emmett said.

Emmett didn't dodge the corruption issue though.

"The county has had its share of scandals and, sadly, there will no doubt be more," Emmett told the crowd. He continued, "We need to do a better job of defining and enforcing the county's ethics policy, or we may need a stronger one."

In a press conference following the event, Emmett further expounded: The court will look to other cities and counties with strong models for structuring an ethics committee, where county employees can bring ethics complaints as well as ethics questions, since many past violations were honest mistakes. Emmett plans to take the issue to the Texas legislature if necessary, to implement a large-scale overhaul of county ethics programs.

The bottom line — "We can't turn our heads to scandal anymore."

And as for the Astrodome?

Emmett breezed through his address with no mention of the county-owned icon and eyesore that dominated last year's speech, but mentioned afterward that the court will receive a report commissioned by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation next week, then choose a recommended option to put to voters.

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farmville

Rodeo Houston reveals name, breaks ground on $300M agricultural complex

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Farm rendering

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has revealed the name of its $300 million livestock and agricultural complex. Dubbed The Farm, which stands for Furthering our Agriculture and Ranching Mission, HLSR also broke ground on the facility, which is scheduled to open in 2029.

The naming process began with suggestions from rodeo volunteers before being narrowed down to finalists, which were shared with the general public on social media. The other possibilities included “Agriculture and Western Heritage Complex,” “Champions Campus,” “Heritage Agricultural Complex,” and “Mission Heritage Park.”

Located about five miles from Relant Park on approximately 350 acres of land that the rodeo owns at the northwest corner of Airport Blvd and Highway 288, the new facility will consist of three, air-conditioned buildings with more than 1 million square feet of space. They’re divided into two large barns (approximately 430,000 square feet each) and a 140,000-square-foot central building. The facility will also include a covered, outdoor cattle yard that will be 105,000 square feet.

Notably, the central building will include a 5,000-seat arena that will host exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The total project is expected to cost approximately $300 million.

"As we move toward our centennial, the groundbreaking of The Farm reflects our commitment to building not only a world-class facility, but a stronger future for Texas youth and agriculture," said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "The impact of what begins today will be felt for generations."

During the run of the rodeo, the facility will host events such as the horse show, livestock show, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, educational contests, and more. During the rest of the year, the rodeo plans to use the facility for other educational events, fundraisers, and even the occasional concert.

All other rodeo events — including the carnival, cowboy competitions, nightly concert, etc. — will remain at Reliant Park. The rodeo’s transportation committee will operate shuttles for people who are participating in events at both the new facility and Reliant Park.

"With today's groundbreaking and the unveiling of The Farm, we are laying the foundation for the future of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo," said Chris Boleman, HLSR president and CEO. "This facility will serve as a year-round destination for agriculture, education and community, ensuring our mission continues to grow and benefit Texas youth for generations."

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo groundbreaking