Adams County leaders discuss joining Sister Cities International for cultural exchange

The Adams County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on July 7, 2025, where they discussed the potential partnership with Sister Cities International. This initiative aims to foster positive relationships and cultural exchanges between Adams County and international communities, particularly focusing on the Pineapple community.

During the meeting, Supervisor Wilson highlighted the importance of making this partnership official, emphasizing the benefits of joining Sister Cities International, which has been facilitating such relationships since 1956. The organization provides toolkits for cultural exchanges, educational programs, and economic development initiatives. These resources are designed to help local leaders create citizen diplomats and ambassadors, enhancing tourism and trade opportunities.

The discussion also touched on the historical context of the initiative, referencing the connections to families from the region who have historical ties to areas like Timbuktu and Guinea. The board expressed a desire to strengthen these cultural ties and promote educational exchanges with local institutions, including Jefferson College and the Mississippi museums.

The supervisors acknowledged the need for legal oversight in formalizing this partnership and indicated that further information would be gathered to ensure all aspects of the initiative are properly addressed. The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore this partnership further, with hopes of enhancing Adams County's cultural and economic landscape through international collaboration.