Dear HCP4,

We must unite to honor and preserve our democracy. Whether you have already voted during Early Voting, or if you are waiting to vote on Election Day on Nov. 7, voting is your fundamental right, your civic duty, and one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. 

This is especially true in local elections, as these races often impact your life significantly and are decided by very slim margins. 

Visit harrisvotes.com for information on the upcoming elections and to see what will be on your ballot, including 14 potential amendments to our state constitution and the Harris Health System bond. 

As we vote and do our part to advance our democracy, we also are expressing our deepest gratitude to our veterans, whose valiant service to our country has safeguarded our democracy. This Veterans Day—and every day—let’s thank our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and devotion to preserving the democratic ideals we hold so dear.  

Texas is home to the U.S.’s largest veteran population, and Harris County is home to Texas’ largest veteran population. Through Harris County’s Veterans Services Department, we are committed to improving access to mental health services and connecting Harris County’s over 185,000 veterans to meaningful career opportunities in which they can apply their valuable skill sets. 

In Precinct 4, we are proud to have an ongoing partnership with Veterans Stand Together. Together, we host a comprehensive veteran’s benefits workshop from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Jim & JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center. The next workshop is Nov. 30. Sign up here to receive help with VA claims and benefits assistance. My team and I also invite you to attend our Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hockley Recreational Complex, during which time we will host our annual classic car show and pay tribute to our veterans. 

Lastly, please make your voice heard at one of our upcoming community listening tours, in the Energy Corridor and West Memorial area on Nov. 30. Your feedback will guide how we prioritize our services to the Precinct. 

As we head to the polls and honor our veterans this month (and always), let us remember that while we may not always agree, we are united by our shared desire to ensure our democracy and our government is always of the people, by the people, and for the people. This is the beauty of our nation. 

All my best,

Lesley Briones

Commissioner Briones Advocates for Harris County in D.C.

During their time on the Hill, Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Public Health Director Barbie Robinson championed public health equity in Harris County during meetings in Washington, D.C. with Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, Congressman Al Green, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.

This opportunity allowed Commissioner and Director Robinson the opportunity to meet with federal and state partners and discuss the efforts in place that break down silos and address access to health, particularly on the topic of black maternal health and ACCESS Harris County.

In October, Commissioner Briones led or voted in favor of the following items:

Commissioners Court - October 10, 2023

BURNETT BAYLAND PARK: Assumed full responsibility for the operations and maintenance of Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton. This step will support the efforts of Harris County Precinct 4 to reimagine and revitalize this park into a premier greenspace. 

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: Commissioners Court approved a contract for work to begin on new sidewalks to increase safety and access for pedestrians near Addicks Clodine Road and Westpark Drive. This construction of 1.5 miles of sidewalk will connect the Addicks Clodine and Westpark underpass to a new school park that Precinct 4 is building in partnership with SPARK at Holmquist Elementary and Miller Intermediate.  

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Commissioners Court approved an agreement with four local organizations that will use a community-driven approach to improve childcare quality in areas that are classified as childcare deserts.  

SPORTS AUTHORITY BOARD APPOINTMENT: Commissioner Briones nominated Linda Morales to the Harris County-Sports Authority Board of Directors, Position 12.

Commissioners Court - October 31, 2023



EVICTION APPEALS: We took major steps towards increasing justice for those seeking relief from eviction with the approval of two positions for the County Civil Courts at Law Eviction Appeal docket. The addition of an associate judge and a court coordinator will help tenants avoid undue financial and mental stress from a lengthy legal process and provide tenants another opportunity to reverse their eviction outcomes. 

RAMIREZ APPOINTED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: Commissioners officially appointed Diana Ramirez as the our newest County Administrator. As the first woman to serve in the role, Administrator Ramirez brings over 20 years of experience in local government to Harris County.

TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONES: Precinct 4 will now be able to double down on our investment in underserved communities like Gulfton and Sharpstown thanks to a new agreement that allows us to participate in (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) TIRZ 1 covering the St. George Place community and TIRZ 20, the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority. By participating in both Redevelopment Authorities, we can build on critical infrastructure investments in both areas, as well as their surrounding communities by capturing the value of these investments and revitalizing Precinct 4 communities.  

ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD APPOINTMENT: Commissioners approved Rixi Castillo, a Commissioner Briones nominee to the Harris County Essential Workers Board. This board was established by the Court after the pandemic to gather feedback and recommendations from essential workers. Ms. Castillo is a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and will be a strong voice for fairness and equity. 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Precinct 4 team visited over 20 neighborhoods during National Night Out. The annual event is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The annual festival featured fun and educational activities for all ages. Other featured activities included music and dance performances, carnival games, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and exhibits on 21 Latin countries.

FALL HARVEST PUMPKIN PATCH

Fall was in the air at Bear Creek Pioneers Park, as hundreds of Precinct 4 residents joined for fall activities, music, a petting zoo and a massive pumpkin patch.

HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY

Commissioner Briones joined our brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department to honor those lost in the line of duty.

Precinct 4 night walk identifies ways to make Gulfton safer after dark

Community stakeholders were on-site to provide input on the scale and scope of work needed to improve public safety in the southwest Houston neighborhood.

Lesley Briones is pioneering change in County politics

Lesley Briones is the first mother of young children elected to the court, the first woman to lead Precinct 4, and shares in the first time two women have served on the court.

Diana Ramirez appointed Harris County Administrator

Harris County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to name Diana Ramirez the permanent Harris County Administrator.