County government shapes everyday life in ways you might not always see. The roads you drive on, the parks you visit, and even the public safety services you utilize are all influenced by decisions made at the county level.

In Texas, those decisions are frequently made by the Commissioners Court — the main governing body of the county you live in. Each Commissioners Court is made up of five elected officials: the county judge and four commissioners, each elected by their precinct. Together, they decide how tax dollars are spent and what services the county provides.

How are counties in Texas divided?

Each county in Texas is divided into four precincts. These precincts exist to ensure county governance remains locally representative, especially in a state as large and diverse as Texas, where the needs of rural, suburban, and urban areas can vary widely. By dividing each county into four precincts, residents get a voice in how key services such as community programs are managed in their area.

Precincts can include incorporated areas — cities or towns with their own local governments that provide services like police, fire, utilities, and zoning — and unincorporated areas, which are not part of any city or town and are governed directly by the county. In incorporated areas, a commissioner’s role is more limited, focusing mainly on countywide responsibilities such as budgeting, elections, and infrastructure. In unincorporated areas, however, commissioners have more of a hands-on role in providing local services such as maintaining roads, overseeing law enforcement through the sheriff’s office, and managing infrastructure projects. In Precinct 4, 477,000 people live in these unincorporated areas.

The role of a county commissioner

Commissioners serve as the bridge between residents and local government, with responsibilities that include:

• Setting and managing county budgets

• Overseeing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure

• Supporting public safety, health, and emergency services

• Planning for flood control and disaster response

• Managing parks, libraries, and community centers

• Encouraging economic development and job growth

In other words, commissioners make sure county government responds to both immediate needs and long-term community priorities.

What does Commissioner Briones do?

Precinct 4 is home to more than 1.2 million residents. It includes parts of five cities, seven school districts, and hundreds of neighborhoods. The Precinct operates and maintains 62 parks, 10 community centers, two nature centers, and more than 100 miles of trails. Commissioner Lesley Briones works to ensure these communities have the services and support they need to thrive.

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States, and its county seat, Houston, is the fourth largest city in the country. That means as one of five members of Commissioners Court, Commissioner Briones helps oversee one of the largest county budgets in the U.S. She weighs in on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to healthcare and emergency response.

How does Commissioner Briones support the community?