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[COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR] ORDINANCE NO. 260247
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Sponsor: Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
Expressing support for exploring a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra, Ghana; recommending the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City to work with the Ghanaians in Greater Kansas City to develop a formal proposal consistent with Section 2-12 of the Code of Ordinances; and authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Mayor of Accra contingent upon the Mayor of Accra’s consent to enter into a Sister City relationship with Kansas City after successful completion of the proposal process.
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WHEREAS, Kansas City is a globally connected city with a strong tradition of international partnerships that strengthen economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development; and
WHEREAS, Accra, Ghana is a major economic, cultural, and innovation hub in West Africa, serving as Ghana’s capital city and a gateway for international commerce, technology, education, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, Kansas City and Accra share key similarities as regional economic anchors, centers for entrepreneurship, vibrant arts and music communities, and diverse populations that contribute to each city’s cultural identity and global outlook; and
WHEREAS, both cities are investing in workforce development, technology, infrastructure, and small business growth as part of their long-term strategies for economic competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra will create new pathways for trade, business development, educational partnerships, cultural exchange, tourism, and innovation that benefit residents and businesses in both cities; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of Accra, has formally expressed interest in entering into a Sister City partnership with Kansas City and in building a strong, collaborative relationship between the two cities; and
WHEREAS, community leaders, business owners, and residents in Kansas City are forming the Kansas City Ghana Committee, a civic and cultural partnership group committed to supporting and sustaining this Sister City relationship through exchanges, programming, and economic engagement; and
WHEREAS, City Council enacted Committee Substitute for Ordinance 260072, codifying policies and procedures for establishing and maintaining Sister City and Friendship relationships, including a requirement that the Sister City Association of Kansas City (SCAKC) present a formal proposal to City Council prior to any new designation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed relationship with Accra warrants further exploration and directs that the process established under Section 2-12 of the Code of Ordinances be followed to evaluate and, if appropriate, formalize this relationship; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby expresses its support for the exploration of a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra, Ghana and recommends the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City (SCAKC) to work collaboratively with the Kansas City Ghana Committee to develop a formal proposal consistent with the requirements of Section 2-12(c) of the Code of Ordinances.
Section 2. That, upon SCAKC’s submission of a completed proposal meeting the requirements of Section 2-12(c), the City Council shall consider formal designation of Accra as a Sister City of Kansas City in accordance with Section 2-12(a)(1) of the Code of Ordinances.
Section 3. That, upon approval of the formal designation referenced in Section 2, and the Mayor of Accra’s consent to enter into a Sister City relationship, the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the Mayor of Accra, Ghana and take any other appropriate measures necessary to formalize and implement this Sister City relationship.
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Approved as to form:
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Bret Kassen
Associate City Attorney