Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo

Please see the statement from County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Over 500,000 visitors are expected to travel to our region for FIFA World Cup 26™. The Office of Judge Hidalgo joined Airbnb and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee to promote the legacy of the game and highlight our region’s global appeal, cultural diversity, and world-class hospitality.

Harris County is fired up and ready to welcome FIFA World Cup 26™ to our region in Summer 2026!

During the trade mission to Taiwan and Japan, Judge Hidalgo met with Keidanren Chairman Tsutsui Yoshinobu. Keidanren represents more than 1500 Japanese companies. Judge Hidalgo advocated for increased investments in Harris County. Read more here: keidanren.or.jp/journal/times/2025/1204_01.html

World Cup 2026: The teams coming to Houston and when they play Germany and Portugal bring star power to Houston against new faces like Cape Verde and Curaçao.

Houston FIFA World Cup teams announced!

www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/dynam...

Harris County is excited for FIFA World Cup 26™! More than 500,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to travel to Harris County for the games next summer. Judge Hidalgo is working with local partners to ensure that all fans can enjoy the games safely. Let’s get ready for some fútbol!

Our Chief of Operations and Emergency Management joined partners from local, state, and federal government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to receive updates about emergency preparedness and management efforts throughout our region.

The Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo is still accepting new book donations for children ages 2-13. Your donation will help give the gift of learning to children at Blue Triangle Multicultural Community Center, The Lawson Academy and Our New Beginnings Learning Academy.

Happy Thanksgiving Harris County! We are so thankful for each and every one of you that makes our region the best place to live, work, and thrive.

Judge Hidalgo thanks the C.T. Bauer Foundation for their generous $2,000,000 grant to the Houston Food Bank. She also extends her thanks to faith leaders across our region who stepped up and hosted food distribution events to help those on SNAP or Medicaid during the government shutdown.

The Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo had the privilege of hosting members of the Consular Corps of Houston, the third largest Consular Corps in the United States, for a meeting focused on emergency management in Harris County and the FIFA World Cup.

In Taipei, the trade mission delegation celebrated the growing ties between Houston and Taiwan at the “Houston Lands in Taiwan” event. Judge Hidalgo highlighted the decades of friendship from the Houston- Taipei Sister City relationship and our shared commitment to innovation and global connection.

As a Japanese immigrant and a longtime supporter of philanthropy in Harris County, Mrs. Saitoh embodies the strong friendship between Harris County and Japan. Judge Hidalgo was grateful to attend a dinner hosted by Mrs. Saitoh and her family during Harris County’s Taiwan and Japan trade mission.

The 25th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast & Ceremony, hosted by Klein ISD, is a community tradition honoring the courage and service of veterans and their family members. This event highlights the district’s appreciation for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their loved ones.

The trade mission to Taiwan and Japan included the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Investment Summit where Judge Hidalgo spotlighted Harris County as a prime destination for Japanese investment. This was an opportunity to reinforce Harris County's global competitiveness.

At the Keidanren Investment Summit, the Taiwan-Japan trade mission continued as Judge Hidalgo spoke of Harris County as a global hub for investment, innovation, and industry growth. Judge Hidalgo promoted the development of new partnerships in energy, advanced manufacturing and technology.

The Office of Judge Hidalgo presented a resolution at the SEER & Serve First Responder Appreciation Day. This annual event featured a cook-off, vendor exhibits, and volunteer activities — all designed to honor the dedication, bravery, and collaboration of those who protect lives across the region.

Thanking all Harris County veterans and their families for their selflessness, bravery, and dedication to our nation.

As part of the trade mission to Taiwan and Japan, Judge Hidalgo and the delegation met with Cooler Master, a Taiwanese hardware manufacturer specializing in computer parts and AI data center cooling solutions for major companies. Cooler Master is exploring expanding their operations!

The Office of County Judge Hidalgo presented a proclamation in celebration of the African American Memorial Conservancy’s Dedication Ceremony. This tribute honored the ancestors and descendants of the formerly enslaved people of Kendleton, Texas, a proud city and community founded by freed slaves.

Please see the release from Judge Lina Hidalgo.

During the trade mission to Taiwan, Judge Hidalgo toured Foxconn’s facility and met with company leaders to discuss expanding Foxconn’s advanced manufacturing and innovation footprint with investments in AI, electric vehicles, robotics, and clean technology production.

Nonprofit and interfaith organizations across Harris County are offering special food distributions to SNAP recipients and federal employees whose paychecks have been paused due to the federal government shutdown.

Please view a full list of food distribution sites here: bit.ly/4p1hmLP

If you’ve not made your voice heard, today is the last day to do so! Grab a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or loved one and head to the polls from 7am-7pm. Visit harrisvotes.com for more information on what’s on your ballot and to find your closest polling location.

Special Distributions for Neighbors Experiencing SNAP Benefit Interruptions - Houston Food Bank Houston Food Bank has announced several special food distribution sites to support neighbors whose SNAP benefits have been interrupted

Due to the federal government shutdown, many Harris County residents will stop receiving SNAP benefits beginning in November. If you or someone you know needs help, please see the link for distribution sites across our region: bit.ly/4hAkVpX

Judge Hidalgo and the trade delegation she is leading met with Inventec, a global technology leader driving the future of AI, cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing. Inventec recently announced opening a massive manufacturing plant in Katy that will bring at least 2300 jobs to Harris County.

Judge Hidalgo is leading a delegation of Harris County business leaders on a trade mission to Taiwan and Japan. By positioning Harris County as the leading partner for economic growth, Judge Hidalgo is working to build international partnerships and bring investments and jobs to Harris County.

Although there have been improvements, a recent audit found that departments have still not fully implemented the procurement reforms that Commissioners Court voted on last April. Judge Hidalgo is committed to working with her colleagues to fully implement the reforms.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live. During emergencies, CERT volunteers help provide support in their communities. Sign up today to get CERT certified: harriscountycitizencorps.com/CERT