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

Commissioners Court Highlights

June 4, 2024

✅ Harris County Precinct 4 partnered with Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis to continue, strengthen, and expand the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART). These new policies will support our county’s mobile crisis responders, protect HART, ensure its integrity, and establish clear evaluation criteria and oversight.

✅ Precinct 4 passed a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Harris County.

✅ The Court took steps to implement a $15 per hour minimum wage for all Harris County part-time, temporary, grant-funded employees and contractors.

Featured News

‘Giving Reverence’: Precinct 4 Honors Transgender Day of Remembrance

11/20/2024

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.

First report from Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission details residents’ concerns and policy recommendations

11/18/2024

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.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Announces Release of Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission’s Inaugural Report

11/12/2024

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

Rooted in Alief: How trees are transforming the Alief community and building a lasting legacy

11/07/2024

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.

Apprenticeship Advantage is more than an “earn while you learn” program

11/05/2024

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.

Giving thanks and giving back: Precinct 4 has a fall event for you

11/04/2024

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!

The Festival of Lights: A Diwali Celebration at Levy Park

10/31/2024

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.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Reappoints Debra Blacklock-Sloan to African American Cultural Heritage Commission

10/29/2024

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.

Commissioners Briones & Ellis Celebrate Major Funding for Harris County’s Nationally Recognized Apprenticeship Advantage Program

10/29/2024

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

“People Power Works”: Meagan Blackwell and Her Road to Empowering Communities Through Public Service

10/26/2024

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.