November 2023

Dear HCP4,


We must unite to honor and preserve our democracy. Whether you have already voted during Early Voting, or if you are waiting to vote on Election Day on Nov. 7, voting is your fundamental right, your civic duty, and one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. 


This is especially true in local elections, as these races often impact your life significantly and are decided by very slim margins. 


Visit harrisvotes.com for information on the upcoming elections and to see what will be on your ballot, including 14 potential amendments to our state constitution and the Harris Health System bond. 


As we vote and do our part to advance our democracy, we also are expressing our deepest gratitude to our veterans, whose valiant service to our country has safeguarded our democracy. This Veterans Day—and every day—let’s thank our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and devotion to preserving the democratic ideals we hold so dear.  


Texas is home to the U.S.’s largest veteran population, and Harris County is home to Texas’ largest veteran population. Through Harris County’s Veterans Services Department, we are committed to improving access to mental health services and connecting Harris County’s over 185,000 veterans to meaningful career opportunities in which they can apply their valuable skill sets. 


In Precinct 4, we are proud to have an ongoing partnership with Veterans Stand Together. Together, we host a comprehensive veteran’s benefits workshop from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Jim & JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center. The next workshop is Nov. 30. Sign up here to receive help with VA claims and benefits assistance. My team and I also invite you to attend our Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hockley Recreational Complex, during which time we will host our annual classic car show and pay tribute to our veterans. 


Lastly, please make your voice heard at one of our upcoming community listening tours, in the Energy Corridor and West Memorial area on Nov. 30. Your feedback will guide how we prioritize our services to the Precinct. 


As we head to the polls and honor our veterans this month (and always), let us remember that while we may not always agree, we are united by our shared desire to ensure our democracy and our government is always of the people, by the people, and for the people. This is the beauty of our nation. 


All my best,

Lesley Briones

 
Moving Precinct 4 Forward

Precinct4Forward Non-profit Holds Inaugural Meeting

Precinct4Forward, established by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance opportunities and promote justice for the 1.2 million residents residing within Harris County Precinct 4. The organization is dedicated to collaborating with private entities, local, state, and federal partners to explore innovative solutions and secure grant opportunities. Their primary objectives encompass broadening access to healthcare and education, fostering economic development, enhancing public safety and justice, and fortifying the resilience of local infrastructure.

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Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)  Gulfton Night Walk

In September, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for infrastructure improvements aimed at tackling issues of decay and abandonment linked to violent crime. Three Precinct 4 neighborhoods qualified for funding, among them is the Gulfton neighborhood in southwest Houston.


To foster a shared understanding on lighting and potential urban design enhancements, Commissioner Lesley Briones extended an invitation to Gulfton community leaders for a “Night Walk.” The Night Walk took place from 7-9 p.m. along a 2-mile stretch of Westward St. and Glenmont Dr. and provided an opportunity for residents to share their insights and concerns along the way.

 

Initiatives like these represent a holistic approach to crime prevention and community development, prioritizing not only safety but also the overall well-being and quality of life in the community. This approach demonstrates the productive utilization of ARPA funding to make targeted investments that address pressing issues in local communities.

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Places 4 People Initiative Funds Two Neighborhood Parks

Precinct 4 recently announced a $170 million Places 4 People initiative to leverage local funding and deliver sustainable and higher quality infrastructure for local communities. The initiative will allow for county investments in 32 projects with 20 local partners.


Two of these projects have already been completed with ribbon cuttings in October for improvements at Briarbend Park and Tanglewilde Park. These two projects were also part of the 50/50 Park Partners, a city-wide coalition by the City of Houston to help revitalize the city’s neighborhood parks. Other partner organizations include the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Parks Board, and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD).

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Commissioner Briones Advocates for Harris County in D.C.

During their time on the Hill, Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Public Health Director Barbie Robinson championed public health equity in Harris County during meetings in Washington, D.C. with Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, Congressman Al Green, and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.


This opportunity allowed Commissioner and Director Robinson the opportunity to meet with federal and state partners and discuss the efforts in place that break down silos and address access to health, particularly on the topic of black maternal health and ACCESS Harris County.

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Commissioners Court

In October, Commissioner Briones led or voted in favor of the following items:

Commissioners Court - October 10, 2023


BURNETT BAYLAND PARK: Assumed full responsibility for the operations and maintenance of Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton. This step will support the efforts of Harris County Precinct 4 to reimagine and revitalize this park into a premier greenspace. 


SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: Commissioners Court approved a contract for work to begin on new sidewalks to increase safety and access for pedestrians near Addicks Clodine Road and Westpark Drive. This construction of 1.5 miles of sidewalk will connect the Addicks Clodine and Westpark underpass to a new school park that Precinct 4 is building in partnership with SPARK at Holmquist Elementary and Miller Intermediate.  


EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Commissioners Court approved an agreement with four local organizations that will use a community-driven approach to improve childcare quality in areas that are classified as childcare deserts.  


SPORTS AUTHORITY BOARD APPOINTMENT: Commissioner Briones nominated Linda Morales to the Harris County-Sports Authority Board of Directors, Position 12.

Commissioners Court - October 31, 2023



EVICTION APPEALS: We took major steps towards increasing justice for those seeking relief from eviction with the approval of two positions for the County Civil Courts at Law Eviction Appeal docket. The addition of an associate judge and a court coordinator will help tenants avoid undue financial and mental stress from a lengthy legal process and provide tenants another opportunity to reverse their eviction outcomes. 


RAMIREZ APPOINTED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: Commissioners officially appointed Diana Ramirez as the our newest County Administrator. As the first woman to serve in the role, Administrator Ramirez brings over 20 years of experience in local government to Harris County.


TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONES: Precinct 4 will now be able to double down on our investment in underserved communities like Gulfton and Sharpstown thanks to a new agreement that allows us to participate in (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) TIRZ 1 covering the St. George Place community and TIRZ 20, the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority. By participating in both Redevelopment Authorities, we can build on critical infrastructure investments in both areas, as well as their surrounding communities by capturing the value of these investments and revitalizing Precinct 4 communities.  


ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD APPOINTMENT: Commissioners approved Rixi Castillo, a Commissioner Briones nominee to the Harris County Essential Workers Board. This board was established by the Court after the pandemic to gather feedback and recommendations from essential workers. Ms. Castillo is a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and will be a strong voice for fairness and equity. 

Blog Spotlight

White House recognizes Harris County Apprenticeship Program

The Apprenticeship Advantage Initiative aims to connect more than 1,000 low-income and underrepresented residents with high-paying apprenticeships.

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Identity, heritage, and artistic expression in Precinct 4

In the Gulfton neighborhood of Southwest Houston, 12 colorful murals encompass the community and paint vivid pictures of the stories held within it.

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Precinct 4 Events

Listening Tour

Energy Corridor/ Memorial

Kendall Neighborhood Library & Community Center

Thursday, November 30 | 6 - 8 p.m.

 

Commissioner Lesley Briones is committed to advocating for policies and resources that improve the quality of life for Harris County residents. As part of that commitment, Commissioner Briones launched a Listening Tour throughout Precinct 4 to hear directly from the people she serves. Residents can meet Commissioner Briones at any of the upcoming events below and have their comments and questions heard.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Veteran's Tribute Classic Car Show

Hockley Recreational Complex

Saturday, November 11, 2023

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Explore a diverse collection of vintage automobiles at this car exhibition, which transports you to a bygone era, all while extending your support to our esteemed veterans. Additionally, the event offers various attractions, such as honoring veterans, engaging children in crafts, providing access to a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, and much more.



MORE INFORMATION

Third Hope Vaccine and Chip Clinic

Burnett Bayland Park

Sunday, November 12, 2023

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Petco Love will sponsor FREE pet vaccines and microchips at Burnett Bayland Community Center. The vaccines will be available to all registered applicants with a limit of four owned animals per household.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Gun Buyback

Westchase Park and Ride, 11050 Harwin Drive, Houston 77072

Saturday, November 18, 2023

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 

Be part of making Harris County Precinct 4 more secure for everyone by participating in this anonymous event. Your involvement can help reduce the risk of accidental shootings, theft of unused firearms, and prevent unwanted deaths. Let's unite to create a stronger, safer Precinct 4. Turn in your firearms to receive gift cards!* Transport your firearms unloaded and in the trunk of your vehicle. No ghost guns or pellet guns will be accepted. 25-gun maximum.



*Gift card quantities are limited and subject to availability.

VIEW OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS ⇦
Precinct 4 in the Community

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT


The Precinct 4 team visited over 20 neighborhoods during National Night Out. The annual event is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL


The annual festival featured fun and educational activities for all ages. Other featured activities included music and dance performances, carnival games, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and exhibits on 21 Latin countries.


FALL HARVEST PUMPKIN PATCH


Fall was in the air at Bear Creek Pioneers Park, as hundreds of Precinct 4 residents joined for fall activities, music, a petting zoo and a massive pumpkin patch.

HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY


Commissioner Briones joined our brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department to honor those lost in the line of duty.

Domestic violence, intimate partner homicides have increased in Harris County, officials say


In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones hosted a press conference to address the current state of domestic violence in the county. She said intimate partner homicides have doubled in the last three years.

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Precinct 4 night walk identifies ways to make Gulfton safer after dark

Community stakeholders were on-site to provide input on the scale and scope of work needed to improve public safety in the southwest Houston neighborhood.

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Lesley Briones is pioneering change in County politics

Lesley Briones is the first mother of young children elected to the court, the first woman to lead Precinct 4, and shares in the first time two women have served on the court.

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Diana Ramirez appointed Harris County Administrator

Harris County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to name Diana Ramirez the permanent Harris County Administrator.

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