Commissioners Court voted to create a formal governance structure for negotiating the future lease of NRG Park (referred to as Reliant Park), establishing a Steering Committee of Court members' Chiefs of Staff and a working group to guide and conduct those negotiations.

What it means for you

County officials — not outside parties acting independently — will now follow a defined chain of command when negotiating lease terms with the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; major financial or policy decisions must come back to the full Commissioners Court for approval.

Outcome

A motion was made by Commissioner Ellis, seconded by Commissioner Ramsey, to establish a Reliant Park negotiations governance structure that includes a Steering Committee and a working group: The Reliant Park Steering Committee shall be responsible for developing recommendations and elevating key issues related to Reliant Park for consideration by Commissioners Court. The Steering Committee shall be composed of Court member Chiefs of Staff, and chaired by the Chief of Staff of Precinct 1 and the County Administrator (as a non-voting member). The Chair shall: work with the Steering Committee and Reliant Park Working Group to develop key County goals and positions on Reliant Park to be approved by Commissioners Court to guide all negotiation matters; and serve as Lead Negotiators and set the negotiation strategy based on the direction provided by Commissioners Court. The Lead Negotiators represent the County in negotiations between the tenants, and serve as the main point of County staff contact for the executives of the Texans and the Rodeo. Lead Negotiators may also include key consultants as needed and recommended by the Steering Committee. Escalation to Commissioners Court: matters requiring policy direction, financial commitments, or material changes to negotiation strategy will be elevated to Commissioners Court through scheduled briefings or formal agenda items. The Reliant Park Working Group will be established by the Steering Committee and shall be composed of relevant County departments and consultants responsible for conducting research, providing relevant information, and evaluating and developing recommendations related to Reliant Park under the guidance of the Chairs of the Steering Committee and Commissioners Court. The motion carried by the following vote: (5-0)

How each member voted

5–0, per the official record.