$20 million investment leveraged to deliver 50 miles of sidewalks across unincorporated Harris County
HARRIS COUNTY, TX (April 1, 2025) – Commissioner Lesley Briones celebrated the completion of 14 miles of sidewalks in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (Cy-Fair ISD) —part of the broader Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative that delivered 50 miles of new sidewalk infrastructure across unincorporated Harris County in just one year.
The program, launched in March 2024, was developed out of a data-driven sidewalk gap analysis, which identified “sidewalks to nowhere” across 406 square miles of Precinct 4.
The Precinct 4 team prioritized locations within one mile of schools, parks, bus stops, and healthcare providers.
“As a mom, a former teacher, and your commissioner, public safety is my top priority, especially where our children are concerned. No parent should worry whether their child will make it to school safely,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “This is about delivering safety, opportunity, and better quality of life for every family across our Precinct.”
Listening to the Community, Taking Action
Extensive community input, including at town halls, provided to our Community Assistance Department and submitted to our Call for Partnership Projects initiative, shaped Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4. Residents voiced concerns about gaps in infrastructure, forcing children and families to walk along busy roads.
In response, Precinct 4 took swift action, building new sidewalks throughout Cy-Fair ISD to safely connect students to schools and their families to essential services. Several Cy-Fair ISD students were involved in pedestrian crashes late in 2024, following the start of the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for safer connectivity.
“Commissioner Briones and everyone who made these sidewalks possible didn’t think about what was easy or convenient to them. They thought about what was right. They listened to the concerns of students and parents, and they took action to make sure our community was safer and stronger,” said Sirron Norris, Cypress Lakes High School student.
“These sidewalks have relieved my mother’s and many parents’ fears, knowing their children will now have a safe walking path. Thank you to Commissioner Briones, district employees, and all the construction workers who have made our community safer,” said Jan-Ai Flix, Cypress Lakes High School student.
Precinct 4 also constructed nearly 15 miles of sidewalks in Alief ISD and nearly 23 miles of sidewalks in Katy ISD.
More Connections Coming
The completed sidewalks are already making a tangible difference in the daily lives of students. With safer routes to school, these students can now travel with confidence, no longer facing the risk of traffic-related accidents or having to navigate dangerous areas without designated walkways.
And the work is far from over—two additional sidewalk projects are in progress:
- West Little York Road near Hemmenway Elementary
- North Fry Road near Cypress Springs High School and Hopper Middle School
These projects will further strengthen the network of safe pathways for students and families across Cy-Fair ISD.
Good Government in Action: Efficient, Effective, and Collaborative
The Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative is a model of effective local government—delivering high-impact improvements through collaboration between Precinct 4, the Harris County Office of the County Engineer, local school districts, and community partners.
“Thank you to Commissioner Briones and Harris County Precinct 4 for showing a commitment to student pedestrian safety in Cy-Fair ISD. Due to their proactive efforts, an additional 14.1 miles of sidewalks will provide safe walking paths for students and community members at 13 campuses,” said Dr. Douglas Killian, Superintendent, Cy-Fair ISD.
“The Office of the County Engineer is proud to support Commissioner Lesley Briones in delivering safer, more connected neighborhoods. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to improving mobility, access, and equity for all residents,” said Dr. Milton Rahman, Executive Director, Harris County Office of the County Engineer.