Newsletter: Houston MOTIA October Highlights

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

As our global agenda continues to accelerate, so do activities here in Houston. From the Mayor’s State of the City address, to the release of the findings by the task force on policing reform, MOTIA and our partners have moved forward in supporting the local community and growing our Houston economy. We have worked with small to medium-sized businesses on building an export capacity to help promote economic growth and increasing Consular engagement. We have also expanded the reach of our newsletter, so that we can engage with a larger global audience.

We hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health. As we head into cooler weather, we echo the Houston Health Department's recommendations to please continue to mask-up, wash your hands, and keep social distance.

Sincerely,

Mayor Sylvester Turner's 5th Annual State of the City Address
On October 22, Mayor Sylvester Turner presented his 5th State of the City address. Since March, Houston has felt the impact of COVID-19. The City of Houston has lost approximately $332 million from the cancellation or rescheduling of more than 196 meetings, conferences and conventions. The city's revenue is also impacted, with an estimated $107 million lost in sales tax and other revenue sources.

Despite the challenges, Mayor Turner celebrated the city’s response to the pandemic. The City's health equity response task force distributed over 1.3 million masks, provided $35 million in rental assistance to families in need, and gave $20 million in grants to small business programs. The Mayor also noted the City's ongoing efforts to strengthen racial equity, the steps the City has taken toward carbon neutrality, flood mitigation projects, and technology innovation partnerships that continue to grow Houston's position as a great global city. While we have faced challenges, Houston will continue to lead by example. Missed the event? Watch the recording here.

City of Houston Releases Recommendations on Policing Reform
In response to national wide dialogue on policing, on September 30, the Mayor's Task Force on Policing Reform released a highly anticipated 153-page report with recommendations proposed by the 45 member citizen group. The recommendations covered issues including Community Policing, Independent Oversight, Power Dynamics, Crisis Intervention, Field Readiness, and setting Clear Expectations.

Led by Chairman Larry Payne, the community centered task force spent months listening to individual Houstonians and local organizations about the type and kind of police department the felt most met the needs of Houston. The task force also conducted extensive research on best practices around the country and received more than 7,000 responses from a community survey.
Per the task force findings, "Houston has the potential to be a city on a hill. We are a model of industrious business success, and we are, in a very true sense, the future of the nation. Houston is in 2020 ethnically and demographically what America will be ethnically and demographically in 2050. We are a “majority-minority city” and the most ethnically diverse city in America, but our diversity has not yielded inclusivity. Policing reform is a critical step we must take to achieve the inclusivity required to be a great city." View full report here.

Mayor Sylvester Turner Joins Houston’s Nigerian Community for a Prayer Vigil to #EndSars
In the wake of Houston's own discussions on police reform, Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Houston's Nigerian community in front of City Hall for a prayer vigil against the violence against people protesting police brutality and demanding police reform in Nigeria. Reflecting the global nature of our city, Mayor Turner was joined by Congressman Al Green, Tunde Fasinat of Wazobia African Market, Dr. Seun Adigun of the Nigerian Bobsled Team, Linda Anukwem, and other Houston Nigerian community leaders in a show of solidarity with Nigerian protesters.

“Houston is proud to be home of one of the largest Nigerian communities in the country and stands with Nigerians around the world calling for an end to the violence against peaceful demonstrations,” said Mayor Turner. "As Mayor of the City of Houston, I know the importance of citizens being able to exercise their right to protest peacefully. The hearts and prayers of all Houstonians go out to the victims and their families."

Mayor Sylvester Turner Received Global Citizen Award at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of United Nations Day 2020 in Houston
Houston joined celebrations for United Nations Day, recognizing the Chartering of the United Nations (UN) on October 24, 1945. The year of 2020 commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the UN and year’s theme of “Shaping our Futures Together", reflecting Houston's commitment to supporting global efforts to improve the quality of life for all people.

Houston is one of a growing number of US cities that have adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) as a framework to ensure progress. With the valuable support from our distinguished Consular Corps and community partners, Houston is is working to further our progress toward the 17 SDGs to ensure an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future. Mayor Sylvester Turner was presented with the Global Citizen Award for his dedication to and accomplishments as a Global Goals champion in the areas of climate action, protecting refugees, combating human trafficking, alleviating poverty, fighting inequality, and building global partnerships. UNA-Houston is one of the most active UNA chapters in the country, and we are proud to support its active role in the city of Houston, especially at a time when the world needs solidarity more than ever.
Watch the recording of the event here.

City of Houston Celebrates the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
On October 2, Mayor Sylvester Turner joined The Honorable Aseem Mahajan, Consul General of India, KP George, Fort Bend County Judge, and participating community members, in celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday anniversary. At a time of increased polarization in the U.S. and around the world, the messages of Gandhi are as relevant today as when he himself rose against injustice.

The Mahatma Gandhi sculpture is located in the International Sculpture Garden at Hermann Park. The Mahatma Gandhi is made of bronze and stands on a polished granite base. Made by Ram Vanji Sutar, it has been part of the City of Houston art collection since 2003. Joining the Mahatma Gandhi in this section of the garden is the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reflecting their shared message of peace, passive resistance, and a service to humanity that resulted in profound world change.

Thinking About Exporting? We Can Help.
MOTIA helps lead global business development for the City of Houston, opening export markets for Houston area businesses and attracting foreign direct investment to the Houston region. This month, MOTIA, Mayor's Office of Business Opportunity and the U.S. Small Business Administration hosted a webinar on "How to Begin Exporting Goods and Services". Learn about the partners available in Houston to help you start or increase international sales and get valuable information on markets and industries of interest. For additional information on export resources, please visit our website here: Trade and International Business Development- MOTIA. View the recording here.

Houston-Rotterdam Energy 2.0 Trade and Investment Forum
This November 16-18, join MOTIA, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Netherlands Business Support Office on this multi-day investment forum that will bring together civic leaders, port authorities and subject matter experts to exchange knowledge and stimulate bilateral investment, trade, and innovation between Houston and the Netherlands in Energy 2.0.

As the Energy Capital of the World, Houston is uniquely positioned to lead the transition to a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable lower carbon world. The region is committed to working with our global partners on tackling this challenge head on and identifying solutions for the future. As a top investor to the region and an established alternative energy user, the Netherlands is a natural partner for Houston and we look forward to building on our already strong partnership. Register here.