Michael Saladino, representing the Pueblo Sister Cities Commission, gave the Board of County Commissioners a yearly activity report on July 17 outlining international exchanges, a completed mural project and student and university partnerships.

Saladino listed the commission’s six sister cities—Chihuahua and Puebla (Mexico), Weifang (China), Lucania/Lucasi? (Sicily—Lucasico in presentation), Bergamo (Italy) and Maribor (Slovenia)—and summarized visits both to and from Pueblo over the past year. He described delegations from Chihuahua that met with local economic development groups and universities, a May mural celebration that drew municipal representatives from Chihuahua, and continuing university exchanges with Bergamo.

Why it matters: The commission said these exchanges support cultural, educational and economic ties and that county funding helps host visiting delegations. Saladino said commission members receive no travel subsidies from the commission for trips to sister cities and that the county’s modest funding primarily supports hosting visiting delegations and public programming.

Funding and partnerships: The commission said it raised money for the mural project through foundation grants and donations and that it partners with city and county offices, PEDCO, the Pueblo Chamber, Pueblo Community College and other local groups.

Discussion vs. decision: The briefing was informational. Commissioners thanked the commission for its work and offered continued county support in publicity and modest annual funding.

What’s next: The commission plans outreach visits and is exploring a symposium to bring sister city representatives together in Pueblo for panels on economic development, tourism and education.