Improving the quality of life for more than 1 million residents within Precinct 4 will be the initiative behind a newly established nonprofit, Precinct4Forward.
Diving in deeper
Harris County commissioners unanimously approved the creation of Precinct4Forward on Aug. 8. The nonprofit organization aims to bring community partners together to work alongside the governmental work of Precinct 4 officials, according to a news release. Former Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle contributed a $10,000 donation to the new nonprofit’s initiative.
The initiatives will focus on:
- Helping enhance parks
- Develop resilient infrastructure
- Improve public safety
- Increase access to education and health care
- Expand economic opportunity
- Augment disaster relief support
Quotes of note
Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in a news release that she is energized by the outreach coming from community member support.
“We will have additional resources to invest in our parks, community centers and beyond to make a tangible difference in the lives of Precinct 4 families. We will also cultivate new partners who are inspired by our work, welcoming their ideas and energy as we create lasting change,” Briones said.
The nonprofit’s director of innovation position was appointed to Kara Cook-Schultz, who said in a news release that unique challenges facing the community include dangerous shade deserts, workforce gap skills and increased demand for public safety.
“Precinct4Forward will tackle those challenges with holistic, innovative solutions that prioritize transparency, efficiency and community engagement,” Cook-Schultz said.
Zooming out
A master plan is currently underway in Precinct 4 that aims to turn Gulfton’s Bayland Park into a green space that will serve as an inclusive, prominent destination for sports leagues in southwest Houston. Harris County commissioners approved the contract at a July 18 meeting.
