Director's OfficeThe Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) provides a wide variety of administrative services to the City of Houston’s departments, such as 311 service request routing, payroll processing, asset disposition, citywide policy management, internal mail services, records management, and insurance risk management.

Our Mission is to efficiently deliver superior administration and regulatory affairs services to our customers through the efforts of a highly dedicated and professional staff committed to world class customer service and excellence in everything we do.

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About the Director

As the first Hispanic director of the Administration and Regulatory Affairs (ARA) Department, Paez was unanimously confirmed by the city council in May of 2013. She has dedicated nearly 30 years as an employee for the City of Houston including 10 years as director of ARA, preceded by 10 years as deputy director. Before joining the City, she worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

As director of ARA, Paez is responsible for oversight of 18 functional units representing a diverse cross section of City services including the BARC Animal Shelter, 3-1-1 Information Services, ParkHouston, Regulatory Permitting, Utility Regulation ... Read more About the Director ...



ARA In the News

CenterPoint Energy Power Station

Houston City Council denies CenterPoint Energy rate hike that would wipe out savings from rate settlement

March 26, 2025 -- The electricity rate increase would add about $2.22 to the average residential customer’s monthly bill, while the gas increase would come out to an additional $2.88. ... Read More ...

Accessible Parking Map

Astros fans left wondering where handicap spots are around the ballpark ahead of Opening Day

March 26, 2025 -- Some Astros fans are yelling foul ahead of the season opener, not because of the team, but because of missing handicap spaces near the ballpark. ... Read More ...

Chair, Desk, and Window

No One Seems Happy With Houston’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance Up For a Vote Next Week

March 20, 2025 -- Sebastien Long’s Lodgeur Inc. leases dozens of Houston apartments on a short-term basis, serving business travelers, recovering cancer patients, professional baseball players and ... Read More ...