San Antonio board forms working group to deepen ties with Lanzarote, Spain

The San Antonio Economic Development Board voted Sept. 24 to create a working group to advance economic and cultural ties with Lanzarote, a Spanish island in the Canary Islands, and to explore potential direct air connections and business missions in advance of global events.

Brenda Sorensen, director, presented a brief history of the sister‑city relationship and a recent delegation visit. "Tenemos una historia de mucha amistad fuerte... empezamos con conversaciones con nuestras ciudades hermanas en el año 2000," Sorensen said, noting a delegation and ongoing discussions about tourism, food and wine, and potential aviation links.

Committee members responded positively but noted the effort is at an early stage. Councilmember Spears said the relationship could open opportunities in technology and water‑management knowledge transfer, and urged including small businesses and community groups in missions. Members discussed possible seats on the working group, university and sports‑franchise partnerships, and potential venues such as Toyota Field for visitor events.

President Villagrán said the committee would await updates and memoranda; the group recommended a timeline targeting 2027 for some of the activity tied to international sporting events. The motion to establish the working group was made, seconded and passed by voice vote; the mover and seconder were not recorded in the transcript.

The action is procedural: it creates a board working group and directs staff to develop next steps. Staff was asked to return with a list of recommended members, metrics or benchmarks for evaluating return on investment, and more detailed proposals for aviation and exchange programs. No budget or formal agreement with external parties was approved at the Sept. 24 meeting.