Overview

• Houston City Council has approved an $832 million, five-year contract that will raise Houston Police Department officer salaries by 36.5% through 2029.
• The first-year costs of the contract are incorporated into HPD's proposed $1.16 billion fiscal 2026 budget, which also allocates $73.1 million for homeland security ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Harris County Commissioners Court has responded to Houston's move by approving a $142 million plan to establish pay parity for deputies and constables with HPD officers.
• The raises aim to address staffing shortages and boost morale, with HPD targeting an increase in its ranks from 5,200 to nearly 6,000 officers within two to three years.
• Budgetary trade-offs are raising concerns, as public safety spending approaches 60% of Houston's general fund, leading to cuts in other city departments and projected deficits.