Newsletter: Houston MOTIA February 2021 Highlights

Dear Friends of the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA),

As we continue to confront the global pandemic and move aggressively forward with vaccine distributions, Houston was hit with a severe winter storm Uri. The Energy Capital of the World went dark. As temperatures dropped into the teens, millions of Houstonians were without power, heat, or water for days. We cannot yet estimate the economic impact, but Texas' week-long freeze and power outages could rival the damage caused by some of the most severe hurricanes to hit the U.S.

The storm highlighted the region's need for diverse and abundant energy sources, a resilient grid, and the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Houstonians whose homes had been flooded from the outside during previous storms were faced with flooding from the inside, as freezing temperatures burst pipes. Houston Public Works' data showed an estimated 25% of all Houston water customers experienced a leak. The city is still assessing damages.

Once again, however, Houston showed its strength in our community and City government response. MOTIA was proud to support efforts to help those in need both during and after the storm, to include staffing emergency warming shelters and distributing needed water and food to the community.

Our hearts go out to those impacted by February’s unprecedented snow and cold weather. In addition to highlighting our work in trade and international affairs, below we spotlight some of the resources available for those in need. We encourage our local friends, international partners, and those who can to support and help those impacted to get back on their feet.

Sincerely,

Recognizing the dire hardships created by the extreme winter weather, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge have established the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund to help our region’s most vulnerable neighbors during this critical time of need. The Fund will focus on relief and recovery efforts across the City of Houston and Harris County. "Houstonians are strong and resilient, but many were already facing hardships with the COVID-19 pandemic before the historic winter freeze. People now need help recovering from the damage to their homes and other personal property, and this relief fund will provide that assistance," said Mayor Turner. The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston have played a critical role in disaster response and recovery collectively for more than 30 years. Both organizations will jointly oversee and administer the grant distribution process with the help of a grants committee, which will include local philanthropic professionals. The Foundation and United Way are now accepting donations online, and for more information, please click here.

After the election of U.S. President Joe Biden, MOTIA Director Christopher Olson joined Jamie Joiner from McGinnis Lochridge and the Houston District Council for a webinar discussion on upcoming expectations for U.S. trade relations under the new Biden administration. Some of the topics reviewed included U.S.-China tensions and trade disputes, U.S. re-engagement with multi-lateral institutions, the impact and likelihood of a U.S.-UK Free Trade Agreement, a Biden administration revamp U.S.-Africa policy, and anticipated changes in U.S.-Russia relations. Missed the webinar? View the recording here.

On February 25, Sister Cities of Houston (SCH) hosted the first virtual "One World Concert" showcasing a world of talent including vibrant performances from different cultures. Mayor Sylvester Turner's opening remarks highlighted Houston's meaningful Sister City relationships and how the annual concert is a strong example of our city's incredible diversity and creative spirit. This year’s theme “We Are One” celebrated sister city's mission for citizen diplomacy and friendship, and reminded us that we are truly stronger together. Featured performances included: Rhythm India, Kalina and Nev Neskoska, Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico, Eliot Stone Didgeridoo, Takarabune Creative Dance Co., International Voices of Houston, and Houston Children's Chorus. During the concert, SCH honored Nelly and Felix Fraga as recipients of the "One World Award" for their contributions to global understanding in forming the Houston-Guayaquil Sister City Association and founding the Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico.

Missed the live event? View the full recording of the event here.

Now in its 40th year, Houston has been privileged to be the host city of CERAWeek - the most prestigious annual gathering of energy senior executives and government officials from industries as diverse as global energy and utilities, automotive, manufacturing, high-tech, policy, and financial communities. As the permanent Secretary of the World Energy Cities Partnership, the City of Houston serves a partner to CERAWeek to bring together global leaders to advance new ideas, and bring insight and solutions to the biggest challenges facing the future of energy, the environment, and climate

Winter storm Uri, as only the most recent example of climate change impact, highlights the importance of innovation in every aspect of our society, in particular energy. As the energy capital of the world, Houston is helping move the energy industry forward. Houston is advancing the energy transition, and in partnership with industry is finding new ways to produce energy cleaner, reduce emissions, and build a more diverse, equitable, and sustainable energy future.

Join the conversation and register here.