Dear HCP4,

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, I continue to double down on my commitment to public safety, not only as your commissioner, but as a mother of three young daughters.

Right now, the reality is domestic violence is a pervasive issue in every community — in the United States, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. We stand in solidarity with survivors facing the difficult journey towards healing. You are not alone.

We will not let the status quo continue – our children and all of us deserve better.

In Harris County, we have made significant investments in justice and safety to support survivors and end the cycle of violence. Last October, we approved $4.7 million in federal funding for the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund, run by the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC).

Twenty local agencies received this funding to support the immediate safety needs of survivors and connect them with the resources they need. Through our partnership with the DVCC, the County is currently exploring ways to further support and invest in organizations that provide services for survivors. The DVCC is hosting a community partner meeting on Oct. 12 for service providers to meet, engage, and decompress through a guided yoga session.

Harris County Commissioners Court also invested $1.7 million this June to enhance the Harris County Sheriff’s Office TeleDeputy Unit and improve 911 call response times. This program allows officers who are working overtime to handle low-priority, non-urgent 911 calls remotely, rather than sending out the officer to write a report. Deputies on patrol are then able to more rapidly respond to urgent 911 calls, including those related to domestic violence.

These initiatives, among others, are part of our ongoing efforts to create a safer Harris County for all people. But we know that government is just one part of the solution — to effectively address complex issues like domestic violence, the community, law enforcement, and all levels of government must work together.

With that in mind, I invite you to join us tomorrow on Oct. 3 for our National Night Out events across Precinct 4 to meet other members of your community and build relationships with local law enforcement. Recognizing that trust is not built overnight, every opportunity to engage and have open dialogue will help us move further toward advancing our shared goal of creating safe, thriving communities.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and strive to create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported. If you or someone you know needs support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for free services available 24/7. You can also visit the DVCC website for additional resources and information on local organizations. We are here for you.

All my best,

Lesley Briones

HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA: “The data was staggering:” Public officials react to Hot Stops investigation. Some local officials, METRO bus riders and advocates are calling for change after a Houston Public Media investigation found Houston bus stops reached dangerously hot temperatures… “The data that y’all collected was staggering and deeply concerning,” said Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones representing Precinct 4. “In the most positive way, right? What are we going to do about it in terms of actionable changes?” 

FORWARD TIMES: Naturalize Now, Houston! Initiative Seeks to Help ALL Aspiring Americans Become Citizens. When we think of the path to becoming an American citizen, we usually hear more about people from the country of Mexico or other Latin countries, but there are people who are a part of the African diaspora who also seek to become a part of this great nation on an annual basis… “The American dream is deeply tied to the story of immigrants, and I commend the determination and grit of anyone going through the naturalization process,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones of Precinct 4. “I am proud of Harris County’s collaboration with the National Partnership for New Americans to bring robust naturalization services to our area. The strength of our region and the health of our democracy depend on our ability to deliver on the great promise of this nation.”

TEXAS TRIBUNE: The 2023 Texas Tribune Festival in photos. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones speaks at the “Locals Controlled” panel, a part of Open Congress on Saturday. 

LONE STAR PARITY PROJECT: Lesley Briones: Running For Office - A Completely Unexpected Blessing. Born and raised in Laredo, Texas along the US-Mexico border, Lesley Briones describes her bicultural and binational upbringing as “growing up on the gateway to the American dream”, a dream that most certainly worked for her. Lesley Briones is the daughter of two educators who instilled in her the value of service, a value that would follow her throughout her educational and professional career. Along with her parents, Briones cites Senator Judith Zaffirni and her work as a role model of hers. She remembers meeting Zaffirini as a first grader and admiring the work of such a powerful woman who fought for communities at the border as well as the environmental issues it faced. 

HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Harris County leaders blast local judges, attorneys as audit finds court appointment costs soared. “Harris County commissioners had harsh words for the local judiciary this week after a new report revealed that indigent defense payments to private attorneys soared by $20 million in just three years, reaching a whopping $55 million in 2022.  “The amounts being paid to these private attorneys are staggering and deeply concerning,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones, a former judge. “We need the judges’ partnership because this is not a good use of taxpayer money, and it’s not justice.’”  

HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Harris County launches pilot program to address Latino health disparities, chronic diseases. Harris County Public Health is launching a pilot program aimed at providing accessible care and resources to underserved Latino residents facing severe long-term illnesses, the department announced Tuesday… “(The Latino Chronic Disease Cohort program) will help connect different health and social services in a way that makes it easier for our Latino community members to access the resources they need,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones at Tuesday morning’s announcement. 

HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Harris County approves lower tax rate for fifth year in a row, $2.4B budget for 2024. Harris County leaders on Tuesday voted for a tax rate decrease for the fifth year in a row, as well as a $2.4 billion budget for 2024. Commissioners Court approved an overall tax rate of 53.03 cents per $100 of assessed value. While that's down from 53.06 cents last year, taxpayers could still end up with a higher bill depending on increases in their appraised property values… Garcia and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said they appreciated Ramsey's leadership. (correction* 6th year of decreased tax rates) 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: 30 countries represented at Tomball's 2nd annual naturalization ceremony. Approximately 78 candidates from 30 countries participated in a Sept. 15 naturalization ceremony held in Tomball at the Lone Star College-Tomball Beckendorf Conference Center. This was the second time candidates gathered in Tomball to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. and receive their certificates… Speakers during the event included… Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. 

KHOU 11: Two of Houston's most popular parks will soon be connected. Houston will soon see two of its most popular parks connected by a trail. A new project aims to connect Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park with a pedestrian and cycling-friendly path. The connecting trail is all part of the Buffalo Bayou Greenway Connector Project spearheaded by Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. The project is part of a $170 million investment in the area that aims at alleviating flooding, increasing public safety and improving access to parks. Precinct 4 said they picked 32 projects for funding in total, including 14 trail connection projects. 

KATY TIMES: Briones, Rosenthal provide legislative update in August 22nd town hall meeting. A crowd of over 60 residents gathered at the Richard and Meg Weekly Community Center on August 22nd to hear an update on the 2023 legislative session from Texas House District 135 Representative John Rosenthal and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. Briones spoke first, addressing what she termed a “paradigm shift” in the Precinct 4 commissioner’s office. Previously, she said, funds were spent in unincorporated areas of the county rather than in parts of the county that fall within the City of Houston. 

HOUSTON CHRONICLE: New Houston trail project to bridge Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park. Two popular Houston parks may finally be bridged together after the Harris County Precinct 4 unveiled $13.5 million Buffalo Bayou Greenway Connector project to connect the recreation areas. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones announced $170 million for 32 infrastructure projects in the county. Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Parks were to selected for what the precinct says will help “improve access to parks and close critical connectivity gaps.”  

LA ESQUINA: Tras ocho meses de gestión, Briones logra avances en el sistema judicial e inversiones de $750 millones para combatir desastres naturales. En sus primeros meses de gestión, la comisionada del Distrito 4 del Condado Harris, Lesley Briones, realizó avances en materia judicial al aprobarse un total de seis nuevos tribunales de distrito penal, así como la creación de un nuevo tribunal testamentario.