Ten members of the Austin City Council have signed on to an important declaration outlining the framework for pursuing solutions to global challenges addressed this week at the Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver.
The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the City of Denver and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, is hosting thousands of attendees from the Western Hemisphere in Denver this week. Policymakers, NGO leaders, and private sector stakeholders are joining local elected officials from North and South America for the State Department’s first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas.
District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool is attending the Summit as a representative of the City Council and a member of ICLEI-US (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives). A key event during the Summit will be the presentation of the “Denver Declaration” which was co-signed by Pool’s colleagues on the Austin City Council, including Mayor Kirk Watson and Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis. The Denver Declaration closely aligns with the City of Austin’s housing and sustainability goals and other community values.
“It’s no secret that Austin shares many if not all of the same challenges of cities across the U.S. and other countries,” Pool said. “What’s inspiring is that we’re all committed to finding innovative solutions to overcoming climate obstacles and creating pathways toward more sustainable housing.”
Some key shared priorities outlined in the declaration include:
Housing and Sustainable Development: Pursue housing policies and development to ensure a greater supply and to reduce the cost burden on households.
- Commit to building communities where migrants find safety and avenues for full and social inclusion.
Climate Change and Resilience: Commit to create resilient communities and to invest in vulnerable communities.
Digital Transformation: Commit to inclusive investment to expand access to the digital world in our communities and schools.
More information on the Cities Summit can be found here.
