Mayor Turner and Microsoft expand digital alliance with the city of Houston

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced on Monday that the city of Houston has expanded its groundbreaking digital alliance with Microsoft to innovate in big data, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Microsoft brings to Houston "Accelerate," a new program designed to address economic recovery through skilling both underserved communities and re-skilling the many Americans impacted by COVID-19. The collaboration is intended to create new economic opportunity, close equity and digital skills gaps, and prepare a workforce for the 21st century. "Microsoft launched the Accelerate program at a time when closing the digital divide has never been more important," said Kate Johnson, president of Microsoft U.S. "We're thrilled to be joining Mayor Turner and an impressive group of partners in this effort to expand access to in-demand digital skills--and close digital skills gaps widened by COVID-19--through Accelerate: Houston." The mayor was joined by Jacky Wright, chief digital officer, Microsoft U.S., to announce details of the Houston Innovation Alliance and Accelerate: Houston.