Ana Martinez Named Fort Bend County Community Development Director as Housing and Emergency Shelter Updates Move Forward
Fort Bend County is ushering in new leadership in housing and community planning with the appointment of Ana Martinez as the new Director of the Community Development Department. The decision, formally approved by Commissioners Court on July 22, 2025, comes as the county introduces important updates to housing buyout guidelines and emergency shelter funding.
Martinez brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in project management, grant administration, and strategic development. She has held public sector roles including Grant Manager and Development Manager with Harris County, and Deputy Assistant Director for the City of Houston. In these positions, she successfully led disaster recovery programs, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and spearheaded affordable housing and economic development initiatives.
“Ana Martinez is a results-driven leader with a passion for equitable community growth,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “Her experience, commitment, and collaborative approach will help us deliver meaningful impact across Fort Bend County.”
A graduate of the University of Houston, Martinez earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. Her background combines operational leadership with policy expertise and a strong understanding of the needs of diverse communities.
As Director, she will lead the department’s work to expand access to affordable housing, support neighborhood revitalization, and implement community development strategies aimed at improving quality of life for all residents.
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What the Community Development Department Does
The Fort Bend County Community Development Department, established in 1992, administers federal housing and assistance programs. Originally created to oversee the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, it has since expanded to include the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program, and participation in the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.
The department develops and manages the County’s HUD-mandated Consolidated Plan, which sets goals for decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Service areas include unincorporated Fort Bend County as well as the cities of Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Stafford, Fulshear, Meadows Place, Needville, and others. Houston, Katy, Missouri City, and Weston Lakes are excluded from the service area.
Latest Program Updates – August 2025
This leadership transition comes as the department advances two new program amendments released on August 14, 2025:
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Housing Buyout and Assistance Updates: The county is proposing to raise the maximum purchase price limit in the Housing Buyout Program to $600,000. The program provides relief for homeowners impacted by flooding or other disasters by purchasing properties at pre-disaster value and converting the land into permanent open space. Additionally, a housing assistance contract has been extended to November 1, 2027, with construction standards updated to reflect current residential norms.
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Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Funding Adjustments: The county has proposed reallocations within the FY 2023 ESG Program while keeping total assistance at $292,049. The new funding breakdown includes $104,900 for the Fort Bend Women’s Center, $140,019 for Parks Youth Ranch, and $25,155 for The Salvation Army, supporting emergency shelter operations and homelessness prevention.
Both amendments are available for public review, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.at 302 Jackson Street, Richmond. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, September 5, 2025.
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A Pivotal Moment for Fort Bend County
For Martinez, the timing of her appointment aligns with important changes already underway in the county’s housing and shelter programs. She will be responsible for guiding the department as it carries out recent amendments and prepares for long-term planning in areas such as disaster recovery, affordable housing, and homelessness prevention.
The leadership change comes as Fort Bend County continues its broader efforts to balance growth with the needs of residents, working alongside local governments, nonprofit agencies, and private partners to deliver housing and community development services.
For more details about the Community Development Department and its programs, visit fortbendcountytx.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
