Harris County approves second $850M payment for Harris Health bond projects

Harris County officials authorized issuing the second $850 million installment of the $2.5 billion Harris Health bond at a Feb. 27, 2026 vote, a move county leaders said will accelerate capital work across the public health system. The installment follows voter approval of the bond package in 2023.

Voters approved the $2.5 billion package in 2023 specifically to expand and modernize Harris Health facilities, and the Feb. 27 action provides a new tranche of cash to turn those plans into contracts and construction. The bond program was framed as countywide in scope when approved, directing funds to Harris Health projects intended to increase capacity and upgrade aging infrastructure.

County officials characterized the Feb. 27 authorization as the second step in a phased issuance tied to the larger bond measure, clearing financial and administrative hurdles needed before bond proceeds can be spent on capital projects. The issuance authorization instructs county staff to move forward with the sale of the $850 million installment that will fund the next round of construction, renovation and equipment purchases for Harris Health.

The decision affects Harris Health’s timeline for project rollouts across its hospitals and clinics, aligning with priorities voters set in 2023 to address facility needs. With this installment approved, county procurement and project teams are positioned to advance bidding, design and early construction activities tied to the bond-funded program.

County officials emphasized that the authorization is one step in a multi-year bond program rooted in the $2.5 billion voter mandate from 2023, and that the Feb. 27 vote releases the second major chunk of funds earmarked for Harris Health capital improvements. The issuance is expected to define the next phase of visible changes to public hospital campuses serving Harris County residents.