AUSTIN, Texas -- It was a full Friday in Central Texas for Michael Bloomberg as he paid a visit to Austin.

• Austin selected as winner of climate change challenge
• San Antonio also selected
• Only 25 cities across the country received the recognition

In the morning, the former New York City mayor announced the capital city as one of the winners in a climate change challenge.

"Cleaning the air would help, improving energy efficiency would help and cutting carbon emissions make all cities healthier. Fighting climate change and growing the economy go hand in hand and you can see that right here," said Bloomberg.

San Antonio was also selected as a winner. Bloomberg spent the early part of the afternoon speaking in support of local groups trying to prevent gun violence across America.

"What would I do if it was one of my children and I can’t explain that. When you talk to survivors and people who have somebody in their family they’ve lost, there’s nothing you can ever say," said Bloomberg.

"It’s really inspiring to have him come to Texas and see that we want our kids to be safe,” Molly Bursey, MOMS Demand Action volunteer, said. “We’re tired of losing our children and our family members."

Austin and San Antonio were two of 25 cities across the country to receive the recognition and the only two in Texas.