Title
Receive an update on the Sister City Program.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch maintains a longstanding international partnership through its Sister City Program, which serves as a platform for cultural exchange, educational enrichment, and civic diplomacy. The City currently holds formal sister city relationships with Bassetlaw District, United Kingdom (established in 1980) and Garbsen, Germany (established in 1990), as well as a Friendship City relationship with Schönebeck (Elbe), Germany (established in 1995).
Over the past four decades, these partnerships have facilitated student and cultural exchanges, strengthened municipal collaboration, and promoted goodwill through mutual learning. The Sister City Program reflects the City’s broader commitment to global engagement, cultural inclusivity, and community enrichment, consistent with the City Council’s strategic priorities of enhancing quality of life and fostering international connections that contribute to economic and educational growth.
DISCUSSION:
At the request of Council Member Villafranca, the City is evaluating the structure, scope, and strategic value of the Sister City Program to ensure it continues to align with community interests and modern municipal goals.
At the September 2, 2025, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the program and report back with findings and recommendations. Specifically, Council requested additional information in the following areas:
• Program Costs: Historical expenditures associated with hosting delegations, travel, and ceremonial exchanges.
• Selection Criteria: Standards or considerations used to identify or establish new sister or friendship city relationships.
• Commonalities and Strategic Alignment: Cultural, economic, educational, or trade linkages that strengthen existing or potential partnerships.
• Program Liaisons: Identification of internal and external representatives responsible for coordination and engagement.
• Future Expansion: Opportunities to expand the program’s reach to include Mexico and Korea as sister cities, to enhance our international economic ties and educational partnerships.
The Economic Development staff will present an update addressing the specific concerns and questions raised during the City Council meeting on September 2, 2025. The team has conducted in-depth research and analysis on the origins of the Sister City Program, current Sister City partnerships, and their relevance to Farmers Branch in areas such as education, culture, and trade. The presentation will also highlight the potential benefits of expanding the program to include partnerships in Mexico and Korea. Finally, staff will outline a strategic plan for the program’s future direction and seek Council’s input on next steps.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation