Addressing climate change through transportation policy in Austin is thinking globally but acting locally. Preserving our environment is a big priority in Austin. It’s huge. But most Austinites, stuck in rush hour traffic every day, will tell you traffic is the most immediate, in-your-face challenge.
As big as that traffic challenge is, our climate protection goals are even bigger. We want to achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Getting there will require very directed and deliberate action. We’ve begun the process of closing our only coal plant and that will help. But we’re going to need to reduce our transportation carbon footprint if we’re going to make a big difference fighting climate change. Continue reading →
For Immediate Release
Release Date: Monday, Dec. 4, 2017
Contact: Jason Stanford (512) 978-2153
Foreign Policy Press Contact: Hanna Berman
Hanna.Berman@foreignpolicy.com
(202) 728-7341
Each year, Foreign Policy selects a distinguished list of people who have made an important impact on fields such as politics, diplomacy, science, and the arts. This year, the magazine is proud to recognize its honorees as Global reThinkers — individuals from around the world whose actions are disrupting the status quo. Because of the scale of his impact on immigration issues and his role as a leader in Texas at this moment in the U.S., Mayor Adler is among the 100 individuals on the list.
Thank you for honoring Diane and me, together. Diane notonly supports what I do, but we’ve always been a team and she does it with me, and frequently she does it better. For us to receive a Joint Honor is one of the greatest honors tonight. Diane, this room has seen, yet again, why I love you so much.
I join Diane in recognizing and thanking Audrey and Ray Maislin, who not only led the establishment of ADL Austin, but have often been like parents to me. And Mr. Khan, you and your wife are channeling unbelievable sacrifice into such critical service. Thank you.
That I took Diane to an ADL dinner as one of our first dates should tell you two things: First, I know how to show a girl a good time.
Second, what the ADL does is deeply meaningful to me. ADL combats anti-Semitism, for sure. But the genius of ADL is that its mission is much broader. The ADL’s mission is to ensure “justice and fair treatment to all.”
This Veterans Day, let’s serve those who have served us by contributing to the Central Texas Food Bank, writing thank you notes, and backing a blues concert.
How you can help our veterans:
To thank a veteran: Remember that you are thanking a veteran, not active-duty troops.
Start with a salutation such as “Dear Hero” or “Dear Brave Veteran.”
Express your thanks for their selfless service.
Do not include the date or year, and do not include the address if a child is writing.
Avoid politics and religion, though saying you pray for them is fine.
Share a little about yourself: families, hobbies, work, school, pets, travel.
Talk about life and interests: sports, weather, music, movies, food, books.
Consider drawing or painting a picture if you can’t find the words.
Put all loose letters and cards in a large envelope and ship to: Operation Thank You Note, c/o Steve Adler, Post Office Box 302854, Austin, TX 78703.
More tips on writing letters to veterans can be found here, and here, and here. An organization called Operation Gratitude has a great FAQ on writing letters to troops and veterans here. Just about every question you can imagine is answered. (If you want to donate $15 so Operation Gratitude can send a care package to the troops, click here.)
Or you can drop off canned food or pallets of fresh produce at the Central Texas Food Bank headquarters between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. For non-perishable food donations, an after-hours drop box is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, just outside the front entrance. If you collect more than 300 pounds of food, they will pick it up.
The Central Texas Food Bank helps veterans in two ways:
First, about a quarter of all the households served by the Central Texas Food Bank have someone at home who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces or as a member of the military reserve or National Guard.
Second, the Central Texas Food Bank operates a monthly Mobile Food Bank at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System’s Austin Outpatient Clinic.
To house homeless veterans: Go to the Red, White & Blues 512 concert on Sunday to raise money for Austin’s homeless veterans. The concert, which features Shinyribs, Carolyn Wonderland, Mingo Fishtrap, and Nakia & the Blues Grifters. It’s at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on Sunday, November 12 between 4pm and 8:30pm. Tickets are free, but you should donate here. Or you can get the VIP experience by clicking here.
Addressing climate change through transportation policy in Austin is thinking globally but acting locally. Preserving our environment is a big priority in Austin. It’s huge. But most Austinites, stuck in rush hour traffic every day, will tell you traffic is the most immediate, in-your-face challenge.
Thank you for honoring Diane and me, together. Diane not only supports what I do, but we’ve always been a team and she does it with me, and frequently she does it better. For us to receive a Joint Honor is one of the greatest honors tonight. Diane, this room has seen, yet again, why I love you so much.