Title
Phoenix Sister Cities Program Update - Citywide
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee with an update on the City of Phoenix Sister Cities program, including international partnerships, delegation activity during calendar year 2026 and the future strategic direction of the program.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix established the Phoenix Sister Cities program in 1972 to cultivate and maintain international relationships that support cultural, educational, civic, and economic exchange. Today, Phoenix maintains partnerships with 11 Sister Cities spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Phoenix Sister Cities, Inc. (PSC), a nonprofit organization, collaborates with the City’s Community and Economic Development Department to coordinate exchanges, programs, and delegations that connect residents, students, businesses, educational institutions, and civic leaders with international counterparts. PSC also provides financial support that helps sustain youth exchanges, cultural programs, municipal partnerships, and incoming and outgoing delegations.
Staff will present an update about how Phoenix continues to strengthen these global relationships through inbound and outbound delegations focused on business attraction, investment, education, innovation, and cultural exchange. This year, PSC celebrated significant milestones such as the 50th anniversaries of Phoenix’s Sister City relationships with Hermosillo, Mexico and Himeji, Japan. Looking ahead, the Phoenix Sister Cities program will continue supporting cultural and civic engagement while more intentionally aligning international partnerships with Phoenix’s economic development priorities, creating a platform for long-term collaboration and global connectivity.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Community and Economic Development Department.