Governance Overview

Who We Are:
Transparency & Excellence

The seven-member Port Commission is the governing body of Port Houston, and among its other responsibilities is responsible for Port-wide policy making. This section includes these policies documenting our governance practices, financial documents, our code of ethics, our standards and procedures, other governance documents, and instructions for making public information requests.

Governance

As a navigation district under the Texas Constitution, Port Houston is committed to full financial transparency, governmental transparency, and accountability. The laws governing Port Houston are found primarily in Chapter 5007 of the Texas Special District Local Laws Code, the Texas Water Code and the Texas Local Government Code. Good governance, openness, and public trust are important to Port Houston.

There are local, state and federal governmental entities that are stakeholders of Port Houston. The members of the Port Commission are appointed by four governing bodies. The State of Texas authorized the creation of Port Houston as a navigation district and granted certain property to it. The federal government partners with Port Houston in some of its most important projects, including the maintenance and dredging of the Houston Ship Channel.

Goals: 

  • Inform and educate public officials about Port Houston and its importance to the regional, state, and national economies
  • Help secure funding for the Houston Ship Channel and other infrastructure essential to the safe and efficient movement of commerce at the Port
  • Pursue government policy solutions on issues related to the Port including transportation, trade, security, environment, and others

Need to know more?

For more information about connecting with someone on the Port Commission or in the Government Relations department, explore Port Houston’s directory to find the right contact.

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