Houston Layers

About

Houston is a big city. As a result, it can be confusing to understand what entities make governing and funding decisions. This website is intended to serve as a visual aide to better understand those complexities and to help us all be more informed and engaged citizens.

Zoom in to gradually reveal layers. Toggle them below. Double click on a layer to isolate it on the map and again to reveal all.

Use the address lookup tool to find the representatives and entities relevant to a specific location.

What is a…

City Council District

Houston is divided into 11 geographic districts, each represented by an elected council member. They vote on the city budget, zoning decisions, and local ordinances.

Commissioner Precinct

Harris County is split into 4 precincts. Each commissioner is independently elected and controls significant budgets for roads, parks, flood control, and county services in their precinct.

Management District

Created by the Texas Legislature, management districts assess fees on commercial property owners to fund enhanced services — extra cleaning, landscaping, security, and events — beyond what the city provides.

TIRZ

A Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone captures the growth in property tax revenue from a defined area and reinvests it into infrastructure improvements in that same zone. Created by City Council.

MUD

Municipal Utility Districts build and operate water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure — typically in newer developments outside city limits. They levy their own property tax to pay off construction bonds.

Super Neighborhood

One of 88 city-designated areas that give residents a formal channel to City Hall. Each has a volunteer council that can petition for city services, improvements, and budget allocations.

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