SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 42

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Charlie Betts, who is retiring after 18 years of outstanding service as executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Charlie Betts is a third-generation Austinite and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin; he served the nation with distinction as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the Downtown Austin Alliance has played a vital role in the revitalization of Austin's central community; during his tenure, the number of downtown residents has more than doubled, and the number of downtown employees has grown from 67,000 in 1993 to more than 123,000; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Betts has been a tireless advocate for such initiatives as the Waller Creek Tunnel, the Downtown Community Court, and the Dell Medical School; he has been noted for his belief in the importance of historic preservation, and he was instrumental in the drafting of the Historic Landmark Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary administrator, Charlie Betts is respected and admired by the citizens of Austin, and his leadership as the executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Charlie Betts on his exceptional service to the people of Austin as executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 26, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate