REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Enter into a Friendly Exchange Relations Agreement with Xiangtan City, People’s Republic of China
Report
BACKGROUND
On April 1, 2003, Council established an informal friendship program allowing agreements with international cities for exchanges of mutual benefit (RTC 03-097, Explore Establishment of an International Exchange Program Similar to a Sister Cities Program). Council further clarified its intentions by adopting Council Policy 7.3.24, International Friendly Exchange Relations, on July 17, 2007 (RTC 07-215). In 2013, the City of Sunnyvale and Iizuka, Japan entered into a Friendly Exchange Relations Agreement, followed by a formalized Sister City agreement in 2016. Sunnyvale and Iizuka have maintained this relationship for the last 10 years.
On October 21, 2025, the City cohosted a delegation from Xiangtan City, People’s Republic of China. The event was comprised of Xiangtan officials, local members of the community connected to Xiangtan, and City councilmembers and staff. Each city signed a letter supporting the exploration of a friendship city relationship with the intention of: engaging in future cultural and educational exchanges; exploring cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, science, technology, environmental protections, and tourism; and fostering meaningful connections between our residents.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.24, International Friendly Exchange Relations (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
Relationships with international cities can broaden awareness of the global community, foster opportunities for economic development and cultural exchange, and increase understanding of how best to compete and thrive in a world community and marketplace. Friendly exchange relations create a reciprocal relationship between entities. This type of relationship exists to share experiences between the City and other selected cities in the world. These relationships involve an exchange of ideas and information between various components of a community including elected officials, government employees, and community members.
Xiangtan City, People’s Republic of China
Xiangtan City is a prefecture-level city in east-central Hunan province, south-central China. It was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC and has a population of 2.6 million. It is known as the birthplace of Hunan culture and has a strong industrial foundation.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s friendly exchange relation agreements should use minimal City resources as reflected in Council Policy 7.3.24. Specifically, the Policy states that funding budgeted for friendly exchange relations are limited to the cost of visitors’ gifts and staff time for the purpose of coordinating meetings for visiting dignitaries with Council and staff, and to securing appropriate City facilities for such meetings. Funding for these agreements is currently $12,500 on an annual basis, funded by the General Fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation. By approval of the Consent Calendar, Council authorizes entering into a Friendly Exchange Relations Agreement with Xiangtan City, People’s Republic of China.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Laura Jammal, Management Analyst and Michelle Perera, Director of Library and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Garrett Kuramoto, Deputy Director of Libraries
Reviewed by: Connie Verceles Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Policy 7.3.24, International Friendly Exchange Relations