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Gilroy Sister Cities Association reports travel exchanges, fundraising plan and private‑funded delegations
Summary
The Gilroy Sister Cities Association updated the council on recent visits, student exchanges and a draft budget; the group said travel expenses for delegations are funded with private dollars and reported partial fundraising progress for 2025 activities.
David Peebles, president of the Gilroy Sister Cities Association (GSCA), presented an annual update to the council May 19 describing recent international visits, student exchanges and a proposed budget for 2025.
Peebles reviewed the history of Gilroy’s sister‑city relationships and recent activities, including hosting delegations from Takamachi (Japan) and Angra (Azores), facilitating student exchanges, and participating in international festivals. He said GSCA has developed a draft short‑ and long‑term strategic plan and is rebuilding its website and social media outreach.
On finances, Peebles said the association projected 2025 expenses of about $21,600 and expected billable/fundraising of $13,000; GSCA reported reaching roughly 30% of its fundraising projection and had $3,757 in billable expenses to date. He emphasized that travel and delegation expenses are funded with private, personal funds and not city funds.
Peebles invited council members to engage with the association’s events and noted ongoing efforts to rebuild a more interactive presence for GSCA in Gilroy’s cultural calendar.
