Harris County Universal Services

07/31/2026

Back-to-school season is a good time to stay alert and report concerns that may affect neighborhood safety. From roadway issues to drainage concerns and general County service questions, Harris County 311 helps connect residents to the right County resources.

07/31/2026

Yesterday at Harris County Commissioners Court, Commissioners Lesley Briones and Rodney Ellis presented Harris County Universal Services with a resolution recognizing the department’s prestigious 2026 CIO 100 Award for the Auto Invoicing Project. Executive Director Sindhu Menon, Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth Lo, and Director of Executive Operations Natali Hurtado accepted the award.

This enterprise modernization effort transformed the County’s procure-to-pay process, automating invoice intake and approval workflows, and providing real-time visibility for departments and vendors. In its first year, the platform processed over 170,000 vouchers totaling $1.2 billion, reduced invoice processing times from 25–45 days to just 6.5 days, and decreased manual touchpoints and errors by up to 85%.

Harris County Universal Services has also been named a winner in the 2026 IDC Smart Cities North America Awards for the Auto-Invoicing Project.

07/29/2026

This month’s nominated HCUS Employee Spotlight recognizes Hima Ponnapalli, Senior IT Program Manager whose leadership strengthens the alignment of people, processes, and technology across HCUS. Through innovative IT programs that advance strategic goals and enhance operational efficiency, Hima leads her team to deliver meaningful business value and drives a positive impact for Harris County and the community.

We’re proud of the work Hima has contributed over the past year and excited to see her leadership continue to grow and make a positive impact across HCUS.

07/27/2026

The HCUS Community Engagement team enjoyed the 19th Annual Back to School drive connecting with families at PlazAmericas Mall this weekend. They shared digital resources, classes and technology assistance with the community to help get ready for the new school year.

Join us for upcoming Back-to-School events in August:
Aug. 1 — Spring ISD Back-to-School Event
Aug. 8 — Judge Lozano JP 2-2 Supply Drive
Aug. 15 — Fall Into Action Family Fun Day

Visit our website for upcoming events, sessions, and helpful resources: https://hcus.harriscountytx.gov/Connect/Community-Engagement

The HCUS Community Engagement team enjoyed the 19th Annual Back to School drive connecting with families at Sharpstown Mall this weekend. They shared digital resources, classes and technology assistance with the community to help get ready for the new school year. Join us for upcoming Back-to-School...

07/24/2026

Keep water moving this summer. Standing water, debris and blocked drainage areas can attract mosquito activity and increase neighborhood flooding concerns. Help reduce risks by checking your property for standing water and reporting bayou blockages or drainage concerns through Harris County 311 so they can be routed appropriately.

07/24/2026

Harris County Universal Services was proud to have Executive Director & CIO Sindhu Menon serve as a speaker at the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, joining county leaders from across the country to share ideas, discuss emerging technologies, and explore how counties can better serve their residents. The Annual Conference brings together county officials, policy leaders and partners from across the nation for four days of learning, networking and advocacy.

As a department for one of the nation's largest counties, Universal Services continues to lead conversations around the practical application of AI in county operations, cybersecurity, and transformation initiatives. Conferences like NACo provide a unique opportunity to exchange best practices, learn from one another, and collaborate on solutions that strengthen local government nationwide. It is an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and set priorities for the new year.

07/20/2026

The HCUS GIS team recently joined more than 18,000 GIS professionals and users from around the world at the Esri User Conference in San Diego last week.

Educational conferences like this allow the team to learn from others, exchange ideas and bring new knowledge back to support geospatial work across Harris County.

The HCUS GIS team recently joined more than 18,000 GIS professionals and users from around the world at the Esri User Conference in San Diego last week. Educational conferences like this allow the team to learn from others, exchange ideas and bring new knowledge back to support geospatial work acros...

07/17/2026

Need to dispose of heavy trash? Eligible Harris County residents may use free dump sites. Contact 311 to confirm the nearest location, hours and accepted items.

You can also report illegal dumping or trash build-up to 311. Help keep our communities clean.

Call: 311
Online: 311.harriscountytx.gov
Email: [email protected]

07/10/2026

Not sure whether to call 211, 311, or 911?

Each number serves a different need, but they work together to help Harris County and Greater Houston residents get connected.

Call 211 for health, human services, and community resources.
Call 311 for Harris County service requests and County information.
Call 911 for emergencies.

Different services. Same goal: connecting our community to the right help.

07/09/2026

Build your technology skills with our HCUS Community Engagement Team. They offer classes for different skill levels, including computer basics, smartphone & iPhone training, ChatGPT, Microsoft Word and more.

Classes are available at locations across each precinct, making it easier to find support near you. Visit the website to view the July schedule, class locations and times.
https://hcus.harriscountytx.gov/Connect/Community-Engagement