Harris County, Tx November 6, 2025 — The Harris County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved the bylaws establishing the Harris County Broadband Task Force.
This strategic body will play a pivotal role in implementing the County’s Broadband Roadmap, first introduced in June 2025, by improving digital infrastructure and closing the connectivity gap.
The 16-member Task Force will serve as a cross-sector advisory group to the Commissioners Court, charged with evaluating broadband initiatives, recommending projects, and ensuring alignment with the County’s long-term digital equity goals. The Task Force will report twice annually on progress, community engagement, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring transparency and data-driven decision-making.
“This Task Force represents a new era of collaboration and innovation in Harris County,” said Sindhu Menon, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services. “We’re leveraging public-private partnerships, community voices, and interdepartmental expertise to build a broadband ecosystem that serves everyone, especially those historically left behind.”
Harris County Commissioners expressed strong support for the task force, highlighting the importance of action and collaboration in closing the digital divide.
“Thank you to Director Menon and the Universal Services for your continued advocacy to make sure our residents have the connectivity they so rightly deserve and absolutely need, especially in today’s economy,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “With more than 155,000 homes without broadband and 220,000 relying only on smartphones, it’s incredible that in a county with NASA and a spaceport in our backyard, so many families are still disconnected. I appreciate the thoughtful way you’re keeping this effort focused so that we can truly make progress in bridging the digital divide.”
“I want to thank Universal Services for shining a light on the realities of our digital divide and pushing for real, tangible action,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. “It’s staggering that in one of the most prosperous regions in the world, 10% of our brothers, sisters and neighbors still don’t have broadband access and with costs averaging $72 a month, affordability remains a real barrier. I was so proud of the Alief ISD students who came to Commissioners Court to advocate for their communities. The more action we can take to expand access, the more we strengthen opportunity and education for all.”
Alief Votes Fellows, a group of Alief ISD high school students, attended Commissioners Court to emphasize how access to technology, including Chromebooks, has been vital.
“Receiving our Chromebooks opened doors we never thought possible,” said the Alief Votes Fellows. “For many of us, it was the first time we could take online classes, finish assignments after school, and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. The digital divide isn’t just about having devices, it’s about having a fair chance at success. Access to technology and broadband gives us the skills we need to learn, grow, and prepare for the future.”
Their testimonies highlighted the importance of continued investment in broadband access and digital literacy. These are priorities the Task Force will help advance.
The Task Force will include 11 members of the public representing critical sectors including:
• Low-connectivity communities
• Independent School Districts
• Nonprofit organizations
• Workforce and economic development
• Broadband providers
• Higher education institutions
Appointments will be made by Court Offices (seats 1–5) and through at-large appointments by the Commissioners Court (seats 6–11), with members serving two-year terms.
In addition, five Harris County departments will serve as permanent members:
• Harris County Universal Services (Chair)
• Harris County Public Library
• Harris County Office of the County Engineer
• Harris County Flood Control District
• Harris County Toll Road Authority
The Task Force’s structure was informed by national best practices and interviews with peer counties that have successfully launched broadband governance models.
The County’s Broadband priorities will be reviewed in the initial Task Force meetings with focus on:
• Digital Literacy: Identifying, partnering and providing education and training to help residents develop skills needed to use technology effectively.
• Ensuring Affordability: Identifying opportunities, partnerships and developing policies that make devices and internet access more affordable for low-income or underserved households.
• Improving Infrastructure: Expanding high-speed internet access to underserved areas.
Appointments are scheduled for December 2025, with the inaugural meeting set for January 2026.