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.

Commissioners Court Highlights

The Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the 2024 budget!

This $2.4 billion budget reflects the priorities and needs of our residents.

We are investing $1.5 billion in our justice and safety agencies – that is a $170 million increase from last year. This includes a 12% raise for our detention officers to help make our jails safer. We are also investing $128 million toward the Harris County Flood Control District, $14 million in new funding -- to improve our flood resilience.

Beyond the budget, we moved forward with next steps on the Westpark Tollway Optimization Study by approving an agreement with partner organizations and submitting a federal grand request. This is a once in a generation infrastructure project to reimagine the Westpark Tollway and improve mobility and transit in that area.

And we are investing $4 million for improvements in Gulfton and Sharpstown as part of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program. The enhancements will include much-needed lighting, curb extensions, trees and shade structures which will increase safety in those neighborhoods.

Featured News

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Identity, heritage, and artistic expression in Precinct 4

09/23/2023

Artists reflect on how their culture has influenced their work in the internationally diverse precinct

Harris County Approves 2024 Budget, Reduces Tax Rate for Sixth Year

09/22/2023

Our new budget invests a total of $1.5 billion in justice and safety — a $170 million increase over last year — to support law enforcement, provide our courts with the necessary resources to run effectively, and ensure a fairer criminal justice system. .

Commissioner Lesley Briones Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month with Community Celebration and Master Plan Workshop at Burnett Bayland Park

09/13/2023

First of several heritage events to be held from September 15 - October 15

HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA: Houston’s Memorial and Buffalo Bayou Parks to be connected by forthcoming trail

09/06/2023

Funding from Harris County Precinct 4 will help the Houston Parks Board fill a gap between two of the city’s largest and most popular parks.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones leverages $170 million for sustainable infrastructure projects

09/06/2023

32 projects across Precinct 4 will move forward because of Places 4 People

Commissioner Lesley Briones invites you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at these family-friendly events

08/31/2023

The Latino communities across Harris County Precinct 4 are incredibly diverse. From the Panamanian neighborhoods in Brays Oaks and Mission Bend; to the thriving Columbian, Afro-Latino, and Garifuna communities in Alief; to the Mexican and Salvadoran communities in Gulfton; to our Venezuelan neighbors in Cypress and Katy; we are blessed with a rich tapestry of cultures that rivals any major city in the country.

COMMUNITY IMPACT: How to attend Harris County Precinct 4 community listening tour

08/31/2023

The office of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced the dates and locations for four upcoming listening sessions as part of its 2023 Listening Tour.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Announces First Appointees to New Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission

08/30/2023

Commissioner Lesley Briones spearheaded the creation of the history-making commission in June to amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and to promote equality. The Commission will provide actionable recommendations to improve economic, social, health, and safety outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Appoints Davis to Harris Health Board, Ruiz to Public Defender Board

08/29/2023

Commissioner Lesley Briones has appointed Afsheen Davis to the Harris Health Board and Luis Ruiz to the Harris County Public Defender Board.

From computers to immunizations: How Commissioner Lesley Briones is helping families get ready for Back to School

08/28/2023

As the summer winds down, families have turned to Commissioner Lesley Briones and Precinct 4 to help prepare their children to return to school. Between multi-million-dollar investments in childcare and a campaign to distribute free Chromebooks to students, Commissioner Briones said it is “absolutely essential” to ensure that all children are set up to succeed.