In a unanimous vote, Harris County Commissioners appointed Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) General Assembly and Board of Directors. 

H-GAC, the regional association of local governments in the 13-county Gulf Coast area, is governed by a 37-member Board of Directors – made up of 22 municipal representatives, 14 county representatives, and one school district representative – and oversees a budget exceeding $491 million. 

“I am honored to represent Harris County on H-GAC. This regional body oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding in key areas like flood protection and infrastructure projects. I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with my fellow H-GAC board members to ensure regional decision-making is done in a fair, forward-thinking manner,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “As we plan for the region’s future, it is of paramount importance that local leaders fully engage in the process.”

H-GAC covers 13 counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, Walker, and Wharton.

“As this region continues to rapidly grow and diversify, it is imperative that local governments work together to implement changes that will create a better future for all families,” Commissioner Briones said. “I am excited to represent Harris County in these crucial discussions about how we drive forward progress in an innovative, equitable way.”

"Commissioner Briones will be an excellent and welcome addition to the H-GAC board of directors. Her strong work ethic and spirit of collaboration make her well suited for this position," said H-GAC board chair, Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn. 

“I believe Harris County Commissioner Briones will bring a fresh perspective of communication and collaboration to the H-GAC board. She has embraced her role as the Precinct 4 Commissioner and worked with her constituents and other members of the Court to advance existing projects as well as support much-needed new projects. I believe that she will be a welcome addition to our Board, and I look forward to working with her,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman, delegate to the H-GAC General Assembly. 

Commissioners also approved the appointment of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis as alternate to Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Commissioner Tom Ramsey as alternate to Commissioner Briones.

Terms begin on January 1 and expire on December 31st of each year.