INTRODUCTION OF MAYOR WHITE AT "GULF COAST GREEN 2005"

April 29, 2005 -- In his 2005 State of the City report, Mayor Bill White reported that, "Houston is on the move." The same could be said for our dynamic Mayor.

Since taking office in January of 2004, Mayor White has brought innovative ideas and a can-do attitude to some of the toughest problems in Houston - traffic, pensions, and public safety.

Mayor White gave his full support to the City's adoption of a Green Building Resolution in June 2004. This resolution was the culmination of a full year of discussions with the AIA, USGBC, local consultants, representatives from other cities, and the Building Services Department. The resolution stated that the principles of the USGBC as codified in LEED should be used in City projects, with a target of Silver certification.

So I think it is very fitting that the Mayor address this group today - a group whose values include accountability to today's citizens as well as future generations to promote environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work.

The City is now pursuing LEED compliance in all major capital improvement projects. Under Mayor White's leadership, Houston is leading the way, setting an example for other cities and for private industry. The City of Houston is using LEED to show its constituents that its facilities are good neighbors, create healthier environments, and cost less to operate.

Mayor White has called upon us all to make ours the most efficient and responsive City Hall in the nation, one which improves the quality of life in Houston. Under his leadership, we are moving to do exactly that.

Please now welcome the Honorable Bill White.