Greetings!
I am the first mother ever elected in her own right to serve on the Harris County Commissioners Court. In everything that I do as your Commissioner, I think about my three young daughters, and the future I want for them—and for all of our children.
This month, as we take the time to honor and celebrate motherhood, I am energized by the progress we are making to create a better place for all children in Harris County.
We have been engaging with residents in our first three listening tours in Alief, Gulfton, and Westpark, gathering feedback on what we can do to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for Harris County families. We will be hosting more listening tours throughout Precinct 4 in the coming months.
We also announced our call for projects initiative, Places 4 People, as part of our commitment to creating more sustainable, resilient infrastructure for the next generation. To do that, we're seeking partnerships with local entities so that in working together, we can leverage our expertise and resources to accomplish more for our community.
Lastly, we opened applications for the Precinct 4 Forward Internship Program, an eight-week paid summer internship for students working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree with a passion for serving others. We want to engage with our future leaders and give them the opportunity to grow in their careers.
Please stay engaged with us as we continue to move Precinct 4 forward.
All my best,
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Moving Precinct 4 Forward |
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Commissioner Lesley Briones Announces $2 Million Investment in Alief |
On Friday, April 21, Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Harris County Office of County Administration (OCA) announced the Alief Street Forest tree planting project in recognition of Earth Day 2023.
Harris County Precinct 4 will use $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding as part of a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design initiative, planting 1,200 trees along 17 miles of roads in Alief.
Alief averages 10 degrees hotter in the summer months than well-shaded areas of Houston. Alief has only an 11% tree canopy, compared to the average of 33% across the city.
In addition to addressing the heat island effect, these 1,200 trees will provide a positive environmental and health impact for the Alief community.
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Westfield Pines and Village Subdivisions Drainage Improvement Project |
Harris County Precinct 4, in partnership with Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Engineering Department, and Northwest MUD No. 12 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Westfield Pines and Village Subdivisions Drainage Improvement Project.
The $6.1 million Recovery and Resiliency Division (RRD) project includes upsizing the storm sewer system, reconstructing driveways, street sections, adjusting waterlines, sanitary sewer lines, and construction of a detention pond. This project will improve street drainage and lower the flooding risk in the area. Construction is set to begin this month.
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Maternal and Child Health Conference |
Commissioner Briones joined researchers, medical professionals, advocates, and community leaders to raise awareness of the existing maternal health challenges and barriers for women of color. Precinct 4 will work to improve the outcome of maternal health for all women in Harris County. |
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Building 4 the Future Townhall |
Harris County Precinct 4 and the Houston Hispanic Architects & Engineering hosted a seminar to discuss the future of infrastructure in Harris County. Precinct 4 is committed to delivering infrastructure projects that are big, bold, and future ready.
Precinct 4 is launching a Call for Projects initiative in effort to partner with local organizations on infrastructure improvements. To learn more about the initiative and submit a proposal, click here.
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Precinct 4 in the Community |
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The second and third stops on the Precinct 4 Listening Tour took place in the Gulfton and Westpark communities.
We look forward to continuing the conversation in a community near you!
Bring your questions, ideas, and feedback. Together, we can move Precinct 4 forward! Please RSVP here, or call 832-927-4444 for more information.
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Commissioner Lesley Briones Hosts First-ever Iftar Celebration in Precinct 4 |
Commissioner Lesley Briones hosted Harris County Precinct 4's first Iftar celebration Tuesday, April 11, at Bayland Community Center in recognition of the holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the traditional fast-breaking meal eaten after evening prayer and sunset. During the event, local community leaders and elected officials shared what Ramadan means to them, and the role it plays in the life of Muslims. Precinct 4 has the largest concentration of Muslims in the state of Texas and in the Southern United States region.
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Commissioners Court Approves Millions for Public Safety and Preserving Affordable Housing, Designates May 15-21 as National Police Week in Harris County |
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Approved up to $5.7 million toward a program to help retain detention officers at the Harris County Jail.
- Approved $7 million to fund construction of a swift water training facility for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
- Approved $15.3 million in federal funding for affordable housing – for acquiring, selling and preserving affordability of single-family homes across Harris County.
- Updated tax abatement guidelines to incentivize sustainable and equitable businesses in Harris County.
- Approved $2 million in federal funding for planting of Alief Street Forest to reduce excess heat, protect the environment, and help prevent crime.
- Approved $4.7m in ARPA funding to support successful reentry among incarcerated women.
- Designated May 15-21, 2023, as National Police Week in Harris County.
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AXIOS: Alief to get a more dense tree canopy.“Alief will be shaded by a lot more trees in the coming years. Driving the news: Harris County Precinct 4 will invest $2 million to plant 1,200 trees along 17 miles of roads in Alief as part of its Alief Street Forest project. Why it matters: Alief, a low-income neighborhood, has only an 11% tree canopy, compared to the Houston average of 33%, per an announcement by Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Harris County Office of County Administration.”
HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Harris County Administrator David Berry announces resignation, return to renewable energy industry. David Berry, Harris County's first county administrator, will leave his post to accept a position with a renewable energy company, Berry announced Thursday… ‘As the first Harris County Administrator, Dave Berry advanced the operations, efficiency, and effectiveness of the County," Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in a statement. ‘I thank Dave for his leadership and service and look forward to Harris County continuing to build on his great work.’”
ABC 13: Can trees fight crime? Alief leaders hope they will with project that aims to plant 1,200 new ones. “Alief is throwing shade at crime in hopes that planting new trees will help protect the neighborhood. The Alief area will soon be home to 1,200 new trees, and those planting them say the trees will not only beautify the streets, but help protect them as well… Starting late this year, 1,200 trees will be planted along 17 miles of road in the Alief area. Harris County Precinct 4 is using $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to make the project happen.”
KATY NEWS: Commissioner Lesley Briones hosts first-ever Iftar event in Precinct 4. “Commissioner Lesley Briones hosted Harris County Precinct 4’s first Iftar event Tuesday, April 11 in recognition of this holy month of Ramadan. About 80 people gathered inside Bayland Community Center to hear from local officials and community leaders about what this holy month of celebration and reflection means to them. ‘The diversity of Precinct 4 is its biggest strength, and I am proud to represent a region that has the largest concentration of Muslims in the State of Texas and in the Southern U.S. region,’ Commissioner Lesley Briones said during the event. ‘Yet, it is not enough for us to be the most diverse county – we must also be the most inclusive. Inclusivity means that events like tonight are celebrated and become annual traditions.’”
COMMUNITY IMPACT: $6.1M drainage improvement project in Katy area bringing new detention pond. “The Westfield Pines and Westfield Village subdivision improvement projects are expected to start in May, according to a Harris County Precinct 4 press release. During Hurricane Harvey, 33 single-family homes were flooded in the subdivisions, according to the release. The scope of the project includes upgraded storm sewer systems, driveway and street repair, waterline adjustments, and constructing a detention pond.”
CHRON: Former KPRC 2 anchor Syan Rhodes is the new Harris Co. Pct. 4 press secretary. “Former KPRC 2 weekend anchor Syan Rhodes just announced her departure from the channel last week, but she already has a new gig lined up. On Tuesday, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced that the award-winning journalist has joined her team as press secretary. Rhodes' final newscasts were over the weekend. ‘We are thrilled to add Syan to our team of talented professionals at Precinct 4,’ Briones said in a news release. ‘A bold leader and respected journalist, Syan embodies the servant's heart, hustle, and higher standards needed to best serve the constituents of Precinct 4.’”
CHANNEL 2 NEWS: HCPH, county commissioners announce 2-day conference during Black Maternal Health Week at NRG Center. “Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones joined Harris County Public Health to announce a two-day Maternal & Child Health Conference at NRG Center. The conference, themed “Integrating Systems and Reimagining Models of Care,” will be held from Tuesday through Wednesday. It will provide an opportunity to analyze the health disparities that women encounter from gestation, birth, postpartum, and the first two years after childbirth.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT: Harris County commissioners OK $7M high water rescue training facility. “On April 4, Harris County commissioners unanimously initiated the design and construction of a $7 million high water rescue training facility to be funded by the county’s $100 million public safety bond approved by voters in 2022… ‘I think it'll help save lives and in the long run, save money and hopefully we can be training people from around the country at this facility as well,’ Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said.”
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Summer Movie Series
Grab your blankets and chairs for a family-friendly movie night under the stars, complete with crafts and popcorn.
"Coco"
Nottingham Park
Friday, May 5, movie begins at dusk
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Precinct 4 Listening Tour
Steve Radack Community Center
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. – noon
Your voice matters ... and we're eager to listen. Bring your questions, ideas, and feedback. Together, we can move Precinct 4 forward!
Please RSVP here, or call 832-927-4444 for more information.
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Noon Toons in the Park
McClendon Park
Saturday, May 13, Noon – 4 p.m.
FREE Family Fun!!
Bring your family, a chair or blanket and enjoy a day in the park with great music, games, and more! For more information, visit hcp4.net/events.
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Summer Movie Series
Grab your blankets and chairs for a family-friendly movie night under the stars, complete with crafts and popcorn.
"The Secret Life of Pets"
Arch Bishop Fiorenza Park
Friday, May 19, movie begins at dusk
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Memorial Day Ceremony
Bear Creek Park
War Memorial Pavilion
Monday, May 29, at 2 p.m.
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