Port Commission Hosts First Meeting in New Port Administration Building, Highlights 2025 Achievements

The Port of Houston Authority's Port Commission met for the first time in 2026, recognizing retirements, approving key initiatives, and reviewing record cargo volumes from the previous year.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority held its first meeting of 2026 at the new Port Administration Building in Houston's historic Fifth Ward. The meeting highlighted the port's achievements in 2025, including record cargo volumes, infrastructure projects, and community engagement. The Commission recognized the retirements of two notable leaders and discussed ongoing maintenance dredging, future channel projects, and regional collaborations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Why it matters

The Port of Houston is a critical economic engine for the region, state, and nation, supporting nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide. The port's annual meeting provides an opportunity to review progress, approve key initiatives, and discuss the port's strategic priorities and community impact.

The details

During the meeting, the Port Commission voted on several agenda items, including approving two Marine Terminal Services Agreements to encourage volume growth, two construction contracts for maintenance facilities, and a services contract to support grant funding opportunities. Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins also shared highlights from 2025, including the announcement that public facilities handled more than 54.5 million tons—the highest on record. Other notable achievements included securing $345.6 million for Project 11 and Federal Assumption of Maintenance for Houston Ship Channel Segment 1B, completing 30 capital projects valued at $330 million, and expanding the Port Houston Community Grants Program.

  • The Port Commission met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The Port Commission will meet next on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Ric Campo

Chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Charlie Jenkins

CEO of the Port of Houston Authority.

Stephen H. DonCarlos

Retiring Port Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority.

Erik Eriksson

Retiring Chief Legal Officer of the Port of Houston Authority.

Adam Telle

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This demonstrates how important the Houston Ship Channel is and the strong collaboration happening in Houston right now.”

— Ric Campo, Chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority (businesswire.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.