Title
Kato Sister City Delegation Reception
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Attend a reception welcoming the Kato Sister City delegation to Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to attend a reception welcoming the Kato Sister City delegation to Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Olympia Kato Sister City Association
Background and Analysis:
A sister city relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign an agreement to become sister cities.
The City of Olympia engages in sister city relationships to:
• Create opportunities for people in both cities to learn and experience other cultures through long‐term relationships.
• Develop tourism and exchange of business practices.
• Open a dialogue and addressing issues ranging from the cultural, technical, municipal, environmental, educational, and beyond.
• Stimulate environments through partnerships where communities can creatively learn, work, and solve problems together.
The City of Olympia passed a Sister City Affiliations Resolution in 1987 to establish guidelines regarding Sister City relationships. In 2022, the Resolution was updated to reflect the City’s commitment to working in partnership with Sister City community groups to assist with organizing activities, events and cultural exchanges and to create a process to consider requests to establish new Sister City relationships. Currently the City of Olympia has a 43-year relationship with Kato, Japan.
From August 20 - 22, Mayor Iwane of Kato will be visiting Olympia with a small delegation. on the evening of August 20, the Olympia Kato Sister City Organization will be hosting a welcome reception for the delegation, City officials and special guests.
Climate Analysis:
This item is not expected to result in a long-term impact to greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Exchanges help to further international understanding at all levels of a community. As we grapple with issues such as climate and equity; connecting with another culture to learn new approaches to addressing these challenges is a valuable tool.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia Kato Sister City Association is made of community members who have assisted in maintaining the Sister City relationship for over 40 years.
Options:
[List three viable options the Council may wish to consider (approve, modify, or don’t approve) and state implications if the recommendation is modified or not approved.]
Financial Impact:
The 2024 Operating Budget includes $5000 for Sister City related activities, however this event is being hosted by the Olympia Kato Sister City Association.
Attachments:
None