Title
Olympia Sister City Program Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update regarding the Olympia Sister City Program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update regarding the Olympia Sister City Program.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Timothy Grisham, President, 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.
This summer a delegation of Olympia students from Olympia will be visiting Kato. Also, this summer, Mayor Iwane of Kato will be visiting Olympia.
Staff will provide background on the Sister City process, coordination of Mayor Iwane’s visit and on the overall City of Olympia Sister City program. A representative of the Olympia Kato Sister City Association (OKSCA) will provide an update on their organization, the delegation visit to Kato, and their plans for their recent award of Inspire Olympia funds.
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.
Financial Impact:
The 2024 Operating Budget includes $5000 for Sister City related activities.
Attachments:
Resolution M-2390
Kato/Olympia Sister City Agreement
Presentation