Many worldwide industries and businesses, foreign governments, and world-renowned infrastructure (such as the port, medical complex, petrochemical complex, airports, and space port) call Harris County home. Their presence provides the County with a unique position regarding international trade, foreign relations, and cultural exchange. With a large international community, hosting a regional U.S. Department of State Foreign Missions Office and nearly 90 consulates, the IGA department monitors and engages on global affairs that impact the County.

IGA advances the global vision of the County by promoting growth and development in global business investment and human capital in Harris County. IGA facilitates, supports, and coordinates activities to advance the County’s mission and goals. Our department engages in opportunities to collaborate with global and local partners on economic growth and development, innovation, academia research, education, workforce capacity, cultural diversity, tourism, healthcare and public health initiatives, energy, resiliency and the environment, among others. Our department also monitors, analyzes, and assesses global issues that impact the County such as global initiatives that address human trafficking networks, immigration, transportation, flooding issues, early childhood intervention, criminal justice reform, and public safety.