ORDINANCE NO. 260072
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
Amending Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, Administration, by adding a new Section 2-11 establishing policies for Sister City and Friendship City relationships; requiring annual reporting to City Council; and aligning future Sister City designations to one city per country.
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WHEREAS, Kansas City has maintained official Sister City relationships since 1967, beginning with Seville, Spain, fostering international cooperation, cultural understanding, and economic exchange; and
WHEREAS, the Sister City Association of Kansas City serves as the City's designated organization to administer official relationships on behalf of Kansas City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Sister City relationships carry significant value for Kansas City's international reputation, economic development, cultural enrichment, and civic identity; and
WHEREAS, Kansas City will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, requiring enhanced coordination of international relationships and cultural diplomacy; and
WHEREAS, meaningful Sister City relationships require sustained engagement, dedicated resources, and active participation by Kansas City residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council requires regular communication regarding the activities, outcomes, and strategic value of these partnerships to ensure accountability and public benefit; and
WHEREAS, focusing resources on strategic relationships will better serve Kansas City's international engagement goals; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, Administration, is hereby amended by enacting a new Section 2-11 to read as follows:
Sec. 2-11. Sister City and Friendship City Relationships.
(a) Definitions
(1) "Sister City relationship" means an officially approved partnership between Kansas City and a city in another country, formalized by an agreement adopted by City Council.
(2) "Friendship City relationship" means a relationship between Kansas City and a city in another country designated by City Council proclamation with less formal structure and obligations than Sister City relationships.
(3) "Sister City Association of Kansas City, Missouri" (SCAKC) means the Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation designated by the City to administer Sister City and Friendship City relationships.
(b) Administration and Representation
(1) Sister City and Friendship City relationships shall be administered through SCAKC, which serves as the official representative of Kansas City in these international partnerships.
(2) SCAKC shall prioritize participation by Kansas City residents in Sister City activities, exchanges, and delegations to ensure authentic representation of the City.
(3) SCAKC shall operate in accordance with policies established by the Mayor and City Council.
(4) SCAKC shall maintain active membership in the national organization, Sister Cities International, which provides support, programs, and events for member organizations.
(c) Reporting Requirements
(1) SCAKC shall submit a comprehensive annual report to City Council no later than March 31st of each year. The report shall include:
a. Economic development: Trade missions, business partnerships, investment facilitation;
b. Cultural programming: Arts and music programs, educational and student exchange programs, and artistic and cultural initiatives with each Sister City and Friendship City;
c. City branding: Tourism promotion, international reputation enhancement, and major event coordination;
d. Diplomatic relations: Summary of engagement with consular officials that develop and foster official relationships;
e. Operations:
1. Number of Kansas City residents who participated in Sister City activities;
2. Financial overview including funding sources and expenditures by relationship;
3. Status of each Sister City Committee including membership levels and activity;
4. Plans and goals for the upcoming year.
(d) Proposals for New Relationships. Prior to any proposed new Sister City or Friendship City designation, SCAKC shall present to City Council a proposal including:
(1) Rationale aligned with Kansas City's strategic priorities;
(2) Assessment of potential benefits in cultural exchange, economic development, and civic engagement;
(3) Demonstrated capacity and commitment from the proposed partner city;
(4) Plan for sustainable engagement and resource allocation;
(5) Evidence of community support and committed long-term leadership in Kansas City;
(6) Presence of other Kansas City Sister Cities nearby to new proposed city.
(e) Limitation on Future Designations
(1) To ensure meaningful and sustainable partnerships, the City shall limit Sister City relationships to one official Sister City per country.
(2) This limitation applies to all Sister City designations.
(3) Friendship City relationships are also subject to the one-per-country limitation.
(f) Strategic Priorities. The City Council declares the following priorities for Sister City relationships:
(1) Cultural Exchange and Tourism: Fostering mutual understanding through arts, music, education, and cultural exchange to attract visitors;
(2) Economic Development: Promoting trade, business partnerships, and investment opportunities;
(3) Civic Engagement: Providing opportunities for Kansas City residents to develop global perspectives;
(4) Diplomatic Relations: Consular relationship strengthening, government cooperation, elevating Kansas City’s standing with foreign governments;
(5) Innovation: Learning from international partners about innovative approaches to urban challenges.
(g) Relationship Review and Accountability
(1) City Council may request special reports from SCAKC at any time regarding specific relationships or activities.
(2) Sister City relationships that become inactive shall be reported to City Council with recommendations for revitalization or placement in Emeritus status.
(3) City Council reserves the right to terminate, transition to Friendship City status, or place in Emeritus status any Sister City or Friendship City relationship that no longer serves Kansas City's interests.
(h) Coordination with Major Events. In preparation for major international events hosted by Kansas City, SCAKC shall:
(1) Coordinate with the City to leverage Sister City relationships;
(2) Develop cultural programming that showcases Kansas City's international partnerships;
(3) Report to City Council on planned Sister City activities related to major events in advance.
Section 2. The first annual report shall be due March 31, 2027, covering calendar year 2026.
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Approved as to form:
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Bret Kassen
Associate City Attorney