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. 

The program, launched in March 2024 in Alief Independent School District, was developed out of a data-driven sidewalk gap analysis, which identified "sidewalks to nowhere" across 406 square miles of Precinct 4. 

The Precinct 4 team prioritized locations within one mile of schools, parks, bus stops, and healthcare providers. 

"This investment is about more than sidewalks—it's about safety, opportunity, and listening to our community," said Commissioner Lesley Briones. "Families should not have to walk in the street to get to school or work. By strategically developing sidewalk infrastructure, we are making Precinct 4 safer, more connected, and more accessible—one block at a time." 

Listening to the Community, Taking Action 

Extensive community input, including at town halls, provided to our Community Assistance Department and submitted to our Call for Partnership Projects initiative, shaped Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4. Residents voiced concerns about gaps in infrastructure forcing children and families to walk along busy roads. In response, Precinct 4 took swift action—filling dangerous gaps and ensuring safe pathways to schools, workplaces, stores, and places of worship. 

Safe Paths for Safe Futures 

Alief ISD students previously walked along streets with heavy traffic to get to school. Working with Alief ISD leadership, Precinct 4 constructed nearly 15 miles of critical sidewalk connections near campuses, improving student safety and access to education. 

"As parents, educators, and community leaders, we recognize that safety should never be a barrier to opportunity. Every child deserves the freedom to walk to school without fear of traffic hazards. By creating these safe pathways, we are not only reducing the risk of accidents and injuries but also reinforcing the message that our students' well-being is a top priority," said Dr. Anthony Mays, Superintendent of Alief ISD.

Students who once worried about close calls and challenges getting to and from school now have a new sense of security. 

"Sidewalks are crucial for me, especially since I take the bus everywhere. Safe, well-maintained sidewalks not only make it easier to get around but also keep me and my friends safe on our daily commutes," said Ny'Elle Blount, Taylor High School Student.

"I almost got hit trying to walk home, but today that changed. Thanks to Precinct 4, we have safe, designated walkways so that we can get to and from school," said Gabrielle Brown, Kerr High School Student.

Precinct 4 also constructed 14 miles of sidewalks in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and nearly 23 miles of sidewalks in Katy ISD. 

Good Government in Action: Efficient, Effective, and Impactful 

This initiative is a model for how local government should work—listening to the community, prioritizing safety, and cutting through bureaucracy to deliver results efficiently and effectively. 

"Precinct 4 is growing, and we are ensuring our infrastructure grows with it," said Commissioner Briones. "We will continue to build safe, accessible walkways that strengthen our communities and deliver pathways to progress."