Harris County ESD No. 20 is the political subdivision of the State of Texas charged with providing fire protection to residents and businesses in northwestern Harris County. Like many ESDs in the area, ESD 20 has contracted with a fire department (ESD 20 has contracted with Northwest VFD) to provide the day to day operations and responses for service. Harris County ESD No. 20 is a taxing entity with the majority of revenue coming from property taxes in the area it serves. Aside from property taxes, ESD 20 also receives revenue from sales tax in the small area of the district that is not part of the City of Houston’s Limited City Annexation District (in which the City of Houston receives sales tax revenues), and other various taxes.

Harris County ESD No. 20 is managed by 5 commissioners who are elected to serve 4 year terms. Board Meetings are generally held once a month and are open to the public.