Policy & Innovation

Commissioner Lesley Briones is committed to advancing opportunity and justice for Precinct 4 and all Harris County residents through innovative partnerships and evidence-based policy.

Precinct 4 Advisory Committees: Spring 2024 Recommendations & Quarterly Report

Featured News

Precinct 4’s forester Laura Medick is planting trees and building a legacy

04/21/2025

Laura Medick has always been curious about nature. As a child, she would often visit her grandmother’s ranch, where she was surrounded by different plants and animals. Yet, it wasn’t until a camping trip with her Girl Scout troop that she realized she truly loved the outdoors. When she sat down for the first time to roast marshmallows with her friends, she decided that her future career had to have a tie to the environment.

Commissioner Lesley Briones, County Attorney Christian Menefee Secure Victory for Justice and Public Health as Federal Government Releases Refugee Health Service Program Funds

04/17/2025

In a swift reversal, the federal government has released critical refugee health funding to Harris County, just days after Commissioner Lesley Briones and County Attorney Christian Menefee announced a lawsuit demanding action.

Precinct 4’s community gardens are cultivating relationships and fresh produce

04/11/2025

Anyone can sign up for a plot at two of the community centers — Burnett Bayland and Freed. The third community garden is reserved for seniors and is located at Glazier Senior Education Center. Applications are reviewed yearly during the summer, and if approved, the resident has control over their plot for one year, starting in September.

Commissioner Briones Appoints Ramphul and Chen to Harris County AAPI Commission

04/10/2025

Commissioner Lesley Briones is proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Ramphul, PhD, and Deborah Y. Chen, Esq., to the newly-established Harris County AAPI Commission.

Explore P4: Houston's only Latino-led masjid is unifying Alief residents from all walks of life

03/31/2025

The first Latino-led masjid (or mosque) in America sits just off the Westpark Tollway in the heart of one of Harris County's most diverse communities: Alief. But the organization wasn't always located there, even though it was created by Alief native, Jaime "Mujahid" Fletcher.

Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Commissioners Advance Economic Opportunity with Historic Living Wage Policy

03/27/2025

Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones and Commissioner Rodney Ellis to enact a groundbreaking living wage policy, significantly increasing the minimum wage for county employees and contractors.

HAWC Announces Grand Opening Of One Safe Place Houston

03/25/2025

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.

Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 is changing residents’ lives

03/24/2025

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.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Advances Public Safety, Community Connectivity With 50 Miles Of Sidewalks

03/19/2025

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.

Leading faithfully: Women changing the face of Houston's churches

03/18/2025

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.