Policy & Innovation

Affordability & Economic Opportunity

“We are working to make the American Dream an American reality for every resident by expanding access to good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening economic security for families.”

Commissioner Lesley Briones supports long‑term housing stability for seniors and residents with disabilities through expanded tax relief, including homestead exemptions of up to $320,000. These protections help reduce the financial burden of rising property values and allow vulnerable residents to remain securely in their homes.

Commissioner Lesley Briones is helping make the American Dream an achievable reality through expanded workforce opportunities, including skilled trades training offered in partnership with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and tech apprenticeships delivered through NPower. 

  • Served 1,057 participants — exceeding initial goals.
  • Enrollment includes 64% Hispanic participants and 10.2% women in trades (three times the national average).

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Precinct 4 is supporting working families and strengthening the local economy by championing a 100% property tax exemption for qualifying childcare providers. This initiative helps stabilize the childcare sector, expand access for families, and ensure that providers can continue offering safe, high‑quality early learning environments.

    Precinct 4’s Business Accelerator Program is opening the doors of county contracting to small businesses by providing hands‑on support with RFP navigation, vendor registration, and business growth strategies. The program equips local entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance they need to compete successfully for county opportunities and expand their operations.

    Commissioner Lesley Briones is leveling the playing field for historically underutilized businesses through a strengthened Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program.

    • Achieved 26% Minority‑ and Women‑Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) utilization — up from 9% in 2020.
    • $237 million spent through MWBE vendors.

    Precinct 4’s STEAM4Kids program strengthens summer learning through an eight‑week, teacher‑led curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Hosted across five community centers, the program serves 125 students each year, helping children stay engaged, curious, and ready for the school year ahead.

    Precinct 4 offers free afterschool care for children ages 5 to 13 through the Stay After School with Precinct 4 program. Available from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Fonteno and Glazier community centers, the program provides a safe, structured environment where students can learn, play, and connect after the school day ends.

    Precinct 4 is expanding support for nursing parents by creating more family‑friendly worksites across county facilities.

    • Installed five lactation pods in county facilities.
    • Updated the county’s workplace lactation policy.