Open Government & Compliance
In this Section:
Open Government Summary
Fort Bend County Texas, demonstrates a strong commitment to open government and compliance. The County’s Commissioners Court, composed of the County Judge and four Commissioners, holds regular meetings to discuss and make decisions on county matters. Commissioners Court typically meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM on the second floor of the 1909 Courthouse, 401 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas, 77469. Any planned changes to this schedule will be posted on the County website. Please refer to the Commissioners Court Online section of the website for updated meeting information.
Members of the Commissioners Court are elected by Fort Bend County residents during general elections. The County Judge is elected at-large, while each Commissioner represents one of the county’s four precincts. This structure ensures that the governing body reflects the diversity of the county’s population.
The County website provides detailed information on the process of Running for Office, including the necessary application forms and submission instructions.
In compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Fort Bend County ensures timely public access to meeting agendas and minutes. Agendas are posted at least three (3) business days before each meeting, and minutes are made available promptly after approval. The County also offers live streaming of Commissioners Court meetings, with recordings posted to the website within 72 hours of each meeting. These recordings remain accessible to the public for at least 365 days, promoting transparency and accountability.
Residents wishing to participate in the governance process will find clear guidance on submitting public comments or addressing the Commissioners Court on the County’s official website. This encourages informed, engaged civic involvement.
For further information or inquiries, residents may contact the County Judge’s Office, Chief of Staff Shaneka Smith, at 832-361-1203 or via email at Shaneka.smith@fortbendcountytx.gov.Thursday
Visualizations
The County’s organizational structure includes divisions, directors, and full-time position count that is outlined in the organizational charts below. These charts help clarify the hierarchy and internal functions of the county government.
Fort Bend County also maintains a comprehensive meeting calendar, regularly updated to reflect the dates, times, and locations of all Commissioners Court meetings. This ensures residents stay informed about upcoming public sessions and discussion topics.
Documents
The County provides access to downloadable agendas and meeting minutes from the past three years, in accordance with the Public Information Act. Additional resources available include:
