Mayor returns from Europe

Mayor Steve Adler returned this week from his first mayoral trip overseas, where he made stops in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Ireland. Although Austin taxpayers didn’t foot the bill (Adler paid for the trip out of pocket), they may benefit nonetheless. According to a press release from the city of Austin, the goal was, in part, “to build personal relationships with government and business leaders from cities that already have an existing relationship with Austin.” Adler also spent much of his time meeting with city officials to discuss shared challenges in areas such as affordability and transportation. “We have much to learn and gain from relationships with partner and sister cities across the globe,” said Adler. “Austin is now an international city, and there is worldwide interest in our culture and a strong desire in joining to create a network of socially innovative and entrepreneurial cities.” The trip appears to be part of an ongoing effort to nurture Austin’s international stature. According to the press release, “In his first six months as mayor, Adler has met in Austin with mayors and government and business leaders from Canada, Mexico, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and France, among others.” The European trip is likely to be reciprocated within the next year by mayors from Sweden, Ireland and France who plan to visit Austin.