Greetings!
With spring just around the corner, we’re already seeing how the seeds of good governance can grow and blossom into big wins for Harris County and for Precinct 4.
March kicked off with a productive visit to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, where we met with members of our State delegation and Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham to prioritize funding for Harris County. I understand that making our community safer, healthier, and more resilient requires bipartisan cooperation, and will continue to work across the aisle to advocate for our community.
Last month, I was proud to represent Precinct 4 at the National Association of Counties conference in Washington, D.C., where I met with leaders from various levels of government from across the country to exchange ideas on how to move our communities forward.
At the County level, our commitment to empowering all members of the community has led to some significant progress.
During our last Commissioners Court meeting, we announced investments to expand access to affordable housing across the County, and establish an apprenticeship program for low-income Harris County residents for training in high-paying construction, public transportation, and live entertainment industries.
We saw the real impact of our minority and women-owned business program for County contracts: the percentage of payments to those businesses nearly tripled from before and after the program began. When hardworking residents and their families receive the support they deserve, we can engage more residents and develop a more inclusive economy.
Always with the future in mind, I invite you to attend Precinct 4’s celebrations for Women's History Month throughout March.
All my best,
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Moving Precinct 4 Forward |
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Commissioner Lesley Briones Joins Community Leaders to Announce Investments in Jail-Based Competency Restoration and Youth Diversion Programs |
Harris County is investing in programs and practices that reduce the backlog in our jails, train law enforcement and health practitioners that interact with the incarcerated and keep children out of prison and on a path to success.
Learn more about both the Jail-Based Competency Restoration and the Harris Center’s Youth Diversion Center pilot program here.
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Precinct 4 Represented at National Association of Counties Conference |
Strengthening infrastructure, driving innovation, and expanding public health and safety were priority topics at this year's National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference in Washington, D.C.
Commissioner Lesley Briones proudly represented Precinct 4 to partner with county leaders from across the country, congressional members, and the presidential administration to build more opportunities for a stronger, healthier, and more innovative Precinct 4.
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Precinct 4 in the Community |
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There's always something fun to do in Precinct 4!
We were excited to see so many faces at our Febulous Festival. From mini golf to puppies, the weekend offered a bit of fun for groups of all ages.
Precinct 4 welcomed the community to celebrate Black History Month through music, history exhibits, a historical performance, and a great meal! Our Precinct offers a richness of cultures, and last month served as a reminder that we must continue to strive to be a model of inclusivity to drive the county forward.
Make sure to stay up to date with our latest events by visiting hcp4.net/events.
View more event photos here.
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- Supported public safety measures through investments in the Harris County Sheriff and District Attorney's Offices, ACCESS Harris County - a coordinated-care program to improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals, and the Jail-Based Competency and Youth Diversion programs.
- Invested $9M to prepare workers for opportunities in high-growth industries through quality training programs
- Opposed a bill that would ban citizens from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from buying property in Texas
- Moved the county libraries to a fine-free system, which will expand library access.
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Commissioner Briones Joins Gulf Coast AFL-CIO Union Members, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and Deputy Secretary Julie Su to Support Working Families in Harris County |
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Commissioner Briones met Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su to discuss how the US Department of Labor and the Biden-Harris administration can be a resource for the labor community in the Gulf Coast.
Earlier this month, Commissioners Court approved an investment of $31.6 million towards the Innovative Apprenticeship Program, an initiative to train workers and connect them to careers in high-demand industries.
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“Before I became a lawyer, I was a public-school teacher... Many of my students were involved in the juvenile justice system, ... so I look forward to the positive impact the Youth Diversion Center and the Jail-Based Competency Program will have in Harris County,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said.
“These individuals are helped because of this investment, the victims are helped, the community is safer, court backlogs will continue to improve, as well as the overcrowding in our jail,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said.
“The health and safety of our residents is my top priority. I am grateful to the CDC for awarding a grant that will build a stronger public health system and provide better opportunities for our residents, and for the current and future HCPH workers,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said.
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Now Open! Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Center
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The brand-new Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Center of Houston campus held their grand opening on Sunday, Feb. 26! The new campus features five pools, an outdoor patio, an expansive indoor and outdoor fitness center with spa amenities, a culinary kitchen, ample social and meeting spaces and so much more.
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Introducing 'Tejas' Briones: Friend and Ally |
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Commissioner Briones Honored by Precinct 4 Constable’s Office – Makes New Furry Friend
A Precinct 4 Constable’s Office K-9 officer was re-named on Sunday, Feb. 26, for Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. The name 'Tejas', chosen by Commissioner Briones and her daughters, means “friend and ally" in Spanish.
“We are friends and allies of our law enforcement team members,” Commissioner Briones said. “And we honor their sacrifice and service every day.”
Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said 'Tejas', one of six K-9 officers in the Precinct 4 program, trained for 12 weeks to certify in search and rescue, criminal apprehension, and narcotics interdiction alongside his handler.
“I’ll tell you, we don’t just name our dogs after anybody,” Constable Herman said. “This is our way of recognizing Commissioner Briones and showing our respect for her. We’re tickled pink that she’s our commissioner.”
Having been a victim of crime, Commissioner Briones expressed her gratitude to the wonderful men and women serving in the Precinct 4 Constable’s office under Constable Herman’s leadership.
"Knowing that I will be an honorary part of the team, with 'Tejas' Briones, is deeply moving to me, and I’m very thankful.”
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Women's History Month Celebration & Women's Empowerment Expo
Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, & 29
Tracy Gee Community Center
3599 West Center Drive, Houston
Get inspired by the powerful contributions of great women from the past and present. All month long Precinct 4 is offering opportunities to connect with local women business owners and community leaders, attend speaking engagements and film viewings, and participate in crafting and other activities. The celebration concludes with Precinct 4’s Women’s Empowerment Expo on Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. Register here or call 713-274-4050 for more information.
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Spring Break Movie Nights: Up
Saturday, March 11 – Nottingham Park
Tuesday, March 14 – Mary Jo Peckham Park
Thursday, March 16 – Freed Park
Friday, March 17 – Reginald Moore Park
Join Harris County Precinct 4 for a spring break full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy a family-friendly movie night, complete with children’s crafts and popcorn. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. Movies begin at dusk. Visit hcp4.net/events for more information.
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