The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) is proud to announce the opening of phase one of One Safe Place Houston, marking the next chapter in its 48-year history of empowering survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. One Safe Place Houston represents a groundbreaking initiative in survivor care—a comprehensive, secure and disclosed, 5.5-acre campus designed to provide wraparound client-centered services for survivors and their children. This facility is the first of its kind and one-of-a-kind and radically reimagines what housing should look like for a survivor on their transformative journey.

In March 2024, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones launched Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4, an ambitious initiative to build 50 miles of sidewalks within one year. The goal was to ensure these sidewalks weren’t just paths, but also safe connections that enable thousands of residents to get to school, work, doctor’s appointments, and places of worship.

Just one year after launching her innovative Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative, Commissioner Lesley Briones delivered on her commitment to increase walkability and accessibility to safely connect communities with the completion of 50 miles of sidewalks throughout unincorporated Harris County.

In the traditional Black Baptist churches of her childhood, Dr. Evelyn Ogletree didn’t see women in leadership roles. While faith was central to her upbringing, her close relationships with pastors like her father and stepfather taught her one thing: she never wanted to be a pastor’s wife.

Talya Morris jokes that she started working in public service because baseball wasn’t hiring.

The lobby of the Fonteno Senior Education Center is a sea of denim and flannel. A few cowboy hats stand out among the more than 30 people chatting, grabbing coffee, and a few are finishing a 1,000-piece puzzle. Soon, a Precinct 4 bus pulls up, and these 32 seniors are on their way to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for free.

Over a billion Muslims worldwide, including 200,000 in the Harris County area, have begun the observance of Ramadan. People across the world celebrate Ramadan differently, but for all Muslims, it is a time of reflection and service dedicated to connecting with their faith.

Kyla Bayang wasn’t always a Tomball resident. Originally from Tatum, New Mexico, she moved to Tomball in the ‘90s and fell in love with the small-town charm and the city’s deep history.

Every March, we come together to celebrate the women who have shaped our history and continue to break barriers today. From the trailblazers who fought for the right to vote to the innovators revolutionizing science, business, and the arts; Women's History Month is a time to honor their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to the work that remains.

Black History Month is celebrated across America every February, but history is constantly being written right here in Harris County. This month – and every month – Precinct 4 is dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black changemakers throughout the region. Here are three Harris County residents who are shaping the future of education, activism, and justice.

Couples from around Harris County register weeks in advance to secure their spot at the dance and luncheon. Precinct 4 holds the event every year to give seniors a way to connect with their friends and meet new ones. Nearly 250 people spent part of their Valentine’s Day at the dance, connecting with friends, dancing with their partners, and remembering why they fell in love.

Precinct 4 Parks Earns Recognition as a Regional Model for Innovative Educational Experiences

Patrick Johnson is the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager for Precinct 4. As he tells his kids, he’s a map maker, but his maps do more than identify locations— they help people make better decisions.

Precinct 4 buses have gotten a redesign. The buses—used for educational senior trips, transporting supplies, and cooling or warming centers during disasters—have been transformed by student artists from the Precinct.

When a once-in-a-generation snowstorm hit Harris County in late January, Precinct 4 team members stepped up to keep residents safe. From making sure emergency responders could drive safely on the roads, to keeping those without power warm and fed, here are just a few of the stories of the people who kept Precinct 4 safe during the freeze.

Brays Bayou winds its way through the heart of Houston in a stretch of over 30 miles, offering joggers, cyclists, and families alike an escape from the concrete metropolis so many residents call home.

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the triumphs and accomplishments of Black Americans. Join Precinct 4 at an event near you as we honor how Black Americans have shaped art, science, and culture throughout history.

On Jan. 29, Commissioner Lesley Briones officially renamed the Alief Linear Forest as the Barbara Quattro Forest, honoring her years of advocacy for greenspaces. Surrounded by family, friends, Alief ISD students, and other community members, Quattro watched as Precinct 4 installed the sign marking the name change.

Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., a group of retirees in matching red T-shirts files into the Tracy Gee Community Center. Their energy is infectious. Through their laughter, I hear conversations about their spouses, kids, and hobbies.

Projects will add or enhance 4.4 miles of trails along the Brays Bayou Greenway

Alief is known as one of Harris County’s largest melting pots. With more than 100,000 residents from dozens of countries, Alief attracts visitors who will find restaurants serving authentic cuisine from around the globe, street signs in various languages, and every type of place of worship. In the thick of it all is Precinct 4 Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) Miracle Bui.

Funding will support planning study to examine capping Interstate 10 along Inner Katy Corridor with urban park, mixed-use development and multimodal infrastructure

Every morning, Malcolm Allicock sets out from his apartment complex, which is along Addicks Clodine and Westpark. Walking cane in hand, he navigates the path to the neighborhood convenience store ─ a path he knows by touch and memory.

The new fire codes are the result of extensive collaboration among County departments, local leaders, and safety experts to address pressing challenges revealed during natural disasters and public safety crises.

Burnett Bayland Park has remained a destination for sports tournaments, outdoor activities, and community for Gulfton-area residents for decades. Now, through Precinct 4’s newly released plan for the park, Burnett Bayland Park will undergo a major transformation that will introduce new best-in-class amenities like a food truck park and lush landscaping and greenspaces.

Funds will support recovery from Hurricane Beryl, Derecho

New fire code amendment protects seniors and vulnerable residents during power outages and extreme weather

Every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., a small group of people, binoculars in hand, set out on the nearly 0.75-mile trail at Precinct 4’s Kleb Woods Nature Center. The trail is quiet. The only thing the visitors can hear is the soft hum of the highway and the crunch of leaves under their feet. But, if they’re still, they can hear what they came for—the occasional chirp of a bird hiding in the brush or flitting between the trees.

Daikin Park is officially the new name of the Houston Astros baseball stadium, but did you know that Daikin is also the largest employer in Precinct 4? We sat down with Kristi Pittman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Daikin, to talk about Daikin’s contribution to not only the City of Waller, but also all of Precinct 4.

Residents in Harris County Precinct 4—from Katy to Tomball to Spring Branch, all the way up to Hockley and Waller—have seen major changes in their neighborhoods. Commissioner Lesley Briones and her team of over 460 public servants dedicated 2024 to addressing urgent needs while laying a strong foundation for the future.

Growing up, Houston Dash superstars Michelle Alozie, Jane Campbell, and Paige Nielsen didn’t always have easy access to soccer fields. From climbing fences to playing against walls, they managed to find space anywhere they could just to get some touches on the ball.

For the first time since its establishment, the Harris County Safe School Commission (SSC) created dedicated high school student seats. In a unanimous vote, Harris County Commissioners Court approved the appointments of 15-year-old Ngoc Ho and 17-year-old Ashlyn Morton to the new student at-large positions.

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Carlos Duarte to the Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission and Carrie Rai to the Harris County Housing Authority.

New coordination and support services funding will expand critical resources for survivors

20 infrastructure projects advance through Commissioner Briones' Places 4 People initiative, including first-ever collaboration with City of Katy

The holiday season has begun, kids will soon be on winter break, and everybody is looking for fun ways to spend time with their loved ones. Precinct 4 has dozens of free events at our community centers for people of all ages. So, put on your favorite holiday sweater and bring your family to make crafts, watch movies, and celebrate the holidays.

Nursing parents at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center will soon have a new, private space to pump or feed their children, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. This latest addition, supported by Precinct4Forward and Commissioner Lesley Briones, builds on Harris County’s commitment to advancing health and good governance through family-friendly policies.

Richard Francis has been a full-time electrician for 38 years, but he’s been doing electrical work since before he started high school. He didn’t have the typical apprenticeship that many tradespeople take on, but he started learning the way many people pick up new skills: from their parents.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on the things that make our community stronger — the acts of service, the bonds we share, and the spaces that bring us together. For Denise Cope, the volunteer librarian at Bayland Community Center, it’s her passion for literature and commitment to enriching lives through the Center’s library.

New Initiative Provides Free Food and Health Resources to Strengthen Gulfton and Sharpstown Communities

Transgender Day of Remembrance falls on November 20th every year. The day is a time for people to honor and celebrate Transgender individuals lost due to anti-Transgender violence. In 2024 alone, at least 28 Transgender individuals have been killed and an untold number have taken their own lives due to bullying and discrimination.

Harris County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission has released its inaugural report, which goes in depth about its accomplishments and work over its first year. The Commission spoke with residents and came up with recommendations on how the County can support the LGTBQIA+ community.

New Report Outlines Key Community Insights and Recommendations to Advance Equality, Equity, and Inclusion in Harris County

In this insightful interview, Bre’Anna Bivens, Strategic Communications Specialist for Commissioner Briones, speaks with arborist Laura Medick and Community Development Planner Alex DeWitt about the Alief Linear Forest project’s role in promoting biodiversity and mitigating the heat island effect in Alief. Medick and DeWitt share how this “green corridor” is designed as a lasting legacy for future generations, underscoring the importance of green spaces in building resilient communities.

On October 29, Harris County Commissioners Court approved an additional $3.7 million for the County’s Apprenticeship Advantage program. This additional funding will help connect over 1,500 people with paid training for high-paying union jobs.

November marks the beginning of the holiday season. No matter whether you want to spend time with your loved ones, reflect on what you’re thankful for, eat great food, or all of the above, Precinct 4 is hosting an activity for you. Grab your friends and family and visit a community center near you this November!

Diwali, known as the "Festival of Lights," is a major festival that is recognized worldwide. Celebrated by over a billion people worldwide, and over 100,000 Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs in Houston, the holiday symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones has reappointed Debra Blacklock-Sloan to the Harris County African American Cultural Heritage Commission. She is a fifth-generation Texan and native Houstonian and is a self-employed historical researcher and professional genealogist with 25 years of experience.

New investment strengthens Harris County’s leadership in workforce development, expanding life-changing opportunities for residents

When Meagan Blackwell, a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) for Precinct 4, first met Commissioner Lesley Briones at a groundbreaking ceremony for a drainage project, she heard the words that would forever shape her perspective on public service at the Precinct.

After months of advocacy led by Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County’s first-ever fireworks sales season for the Diwali holiday kicks off on October 25. This moment is a milestone for the region’s South Asian community and a marker of progress in Harris County’s efforts to celebrate its diverse communities.

Teenagers and young adults can now access free health services at the Baylor College of Medicine’s Teen Health Clinic at Precinct 4’s Bayland Community Center.

In September, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones and her colleagues made a significant step forward in supporting survivors of domestic violence by approving the 2025 budget, which includes an ongoing commitment of $1.5 million per year to the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF).

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Baylor College of Medicine hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the new, free Teen Health Clinic at Bayland Community Center, located in the southwest region of Precinct 4. This collaboration will expand access to world-class Texas Medical Center-quality preventative care for underserved youth ages 13 to 24.

​Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Dr. Jody S. Lee and Rufi Natarajan to the Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #1 (St. George’s Place).

Whether you want to trick-or-treat, compete in a costume contest, or come to a potluck, Precinct 4 is here to ensure you have a ghoulishly good time. So, grab your costume, some treats, and your family and visit one of the events below to celebrate Halloween with your community.

Najat Elsayed has been helping everyone she could since she was a child. In middle school, she tried to find ways to send supplies and resources to people in war zones. In high school, she fundraised and crowdsourced supplies for a family in need, often using her own funds and resources to try and give the children normal childhood experiences.

Harris County Precinct 4 has been awarded an $11.3 million grant from the United States Department of the Interior for its Burnett Bayland Park Improvements Project, marking a major milestone in revitalizing this vital community space

Every year, the County must approve a budget to fund all County operations – from roads and bridges to law enforcement and affordable housing. This year, Commissioners Court approved a $2.67 billion budget, which affects everyone who lives, works, and visits Harris County. The budget is funded primarily by Harris County residents’ property taxes.

Commissioner Briones’ measure to allow the sale of fireworks for Diwali, in partnership with community organizations and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, passed with 4 votes. The Diwali fireworks season will include a public safety educational initiative and will be subject to Commissioners Court’s annual authorization.

Commissioners Court adopted a $2.67 billion budget that addresses Harris County’s growing needs with important investments in infrastructure, courts and law enforcement, public health, stable housing, and government operations.

Every year, in mid-September, it is common to encounter advertisements, products, and activities dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month. But do you know how this celebration began in the United States?

Cada año, a mediados de septiembre, es normal encontrarse con anuncios, productos y actividades dedicadas al Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Pero ¿conoces la razón y el origen de esta celebración en Estados Unidos?

Ever wonder how you get the services you need? This past Tuesday, Sept. 10, Harris County Commissioners decided on a budget for next year that they’ll be voting to approve on September 19.

With a focus on public safety and strengthening our infrastructure, Commissioner Lesley Briones voted to advance a general fund budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025 that will address the critical needs of Harris County residents.

After completing their 2022 school safety recommendations the Commission was dormant until reconvened by Commissioner Briones in 2024. With the new bylaws approved by Commissioners Court on August 27, the Commission is officially a permanent, standing body to better deliver progress on recommendations that enhance safety in schools.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a plan by Commissioner Lesley Briones to strengthen and expand the Harris County Safe School Commission (SSC).

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Dr. Katherine Bacon to the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Board of Trustees, Position 4, for a term ending August 27, 2026.

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed one individual and recommended two others to the TIRZ 20 Board. TIRZ 20, located in Southwest Houston between Alief and Bellaire, works to address mobility deficiencies in the area and provides resources for the redevelopment of the Sharpstown Mall and Bellaire/Fondren commercial corridors.

Harris County Precinct 4 is working with local partners such as the Common Market and the Houston Food Bank to help get food to those who need it most. Harris County Public Health’s Connect program also assists eligible families sign up for federal, state, and local benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Throughout Precinct 4, there are also dozens of organizations and programs dedicated to serving the community by providing free food and resources.

Dive into Devon Carvajal’s story and see how she went from working at Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center as a lifeguard at 17 years old, to becoming its manager!

On August 6, Commissioners Court unanimously approved to move forward with implementing Commissioner Briones’s court resources package. This critical investment, developed by Commissioner Briones, will target points in the life cycle of a case that are delayed by several factors, such as defendants missing their court cases, mental health or competency case challenges, and a lack of cohesive management systems and practices within the courts.

Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones that will make critical investments in Harris County’s District Criminal Courts to advance the quality and efficiency of justice.

Over 2 million residents in Harris County lost power, leaving residents without air conditioning or refrigeration for days. As soon as it was safe, Precinct 4 teams mobilized to clear debris from roadways and streets and provided critical resources and services to constituents.

A lifelong Houstonian, Jeffrey Louis doesn’t know if he would have made it to the world stage if it were not for growing up in Alief — located in the heart of Harris County Precinct 4.

Saulnier has been Harris County Precinct 4’s jill-of-all-trades for 25 years. Her day-to-day tasks include everything from payroll and purchasing, to helping improve Precinct 4’s parks by overseeing contracts with sports associations, suggesting new fixtures, and helping the public make reservations.

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Charmaine LeBlanc​ to the Harris County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee. ​

Kevin Nguyen (He/They) is a first-generation, Vietnamese-American Texan who was raised Catholic by two immigrant parents.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, communities across Precinct 4 have been hit hard, and hundreds of thousands of people are still without power. On Wednesday, Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Precinct 4 team served nearly 2,000 families at our two distribution sites. We are continuing to activate distribution sites across Precinct 4 and will be expanding the resources offered in the coming days.

Fireworks are an Independence Day staple we all love! Yet, it is best to leave these displays to the professionals, and as a reminder, it is illegal to set off fireworks within city limits throughout Texas. Instead, I invite you to watch your city- and community-sponsored fireworks displays; Houston, Tomball, Katy, and others will have fireworks celebrations.

Harris County was awarded the most National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards out of any county in Texas for 28 outstanding programs and services it offers to its more than 4.7 million residents.

Kaper is an experienced criminal defense attorney with more than ten years of representing individuals in federal and state court.

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Vladimir Naranjo, PE to the Harris County Industrial Development Corporation Board, which acts as one of the County’s levers for promoting growth and development. ​

Mike Conner, superintendent of the Trailblazers and Trades team for Harris County Precinct 4, has always enjoyed the outdoors.

Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that while we have made significant progress, we must still address the historic and systemic inequities that exist today. At Precinct 4 and throughout Harris County, we are committed to championing equitable policies and initiatives to advance opportunity and justice for all people. Here are a few examples of our work.

Harris County Commissioners approved proposals to continue, strengthen, and expand the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) program. These policies will support our county’s mobile crisis responders and protect HART, ensure its integrity, and establish clear evaluation criteria and oversight.

For nearly 250 years, members of our Armed Forces have laid down their lives in service of the United States of America, protecting our nation and fighting for the idea that all people are created equal.

$6.3 million project will improve flood resilience for communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, in collaboration with the Houston Bar Association (HBA), the Harris County State District Courts, and the Office of the County Engineer held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week to commemorate a new lactation pod at the Harris County Civil Courthouse.

With a unanimous vote, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved Commissioner Lesley Briones' appointment of Adrian Ozuna to the Housing Finance Corporation.

$6.2 million ARPA investment aims to reduce the harmful developmental impacts of childhood trauma by increasing access to early intervention

Pride Houston 365 defines the Ally Grand Marshal as a person who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Houston LGBTQIA+ community.

Neighborhood severely impacted by Hurricane Harvey gets $13.5 million in infrastructure upgrades to mitigate flooding

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we at Harris County Precinct 4 are highlighting organizations throughout the County and the U.S. that exist to help those living with one or more mental health conditions. Whether you or someone you know is facing challenges, these resources stand ready to offer guidance and assistance. Save the resources below, as you never know when you might be able to lend a helping hand or benefit from the services yourself.

Harris County will lead a coalition of Texas counties to expand affordable, reliable energy

After a successful inaugural year, round 2 of landmark infrastructure partnership initiative launches

Commissioner Lesley Briones is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aisha Dennis to the Harris County Public Defender’s Board.

Commissioner Lesley Briones, in partnership with the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department (HPD), highlighted the positive impacts of the new gates within the Bissonnet Corridor.

Commissioner Lesley Briones surprised Emma Cardenas, the first winner of Harris County Precinct 4’s bus design contest, “From Palette to Pavement: Student Art on Precinct 4 Buses!”

Whether your family loves to explore birds, fishing, and nature in the outdoors or prefers crafting and watching afternoon movies inside, Harris County Precinct 4 has activities for kids of all ages and interests.