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 be...
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