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Fountain Valley officials recap U.S.–Japan Sister Cities summit and form advisory group
Summary
Public Works Director Scott Smith summarized the September Sister Cities Summit in Izumisano City, Japan, highlighting cultural, economic and youth-exchange opportunities; council supported forming an advisory/working group to evaluate partnerships and target a possible 2027 launch around the city’s 70th anniversary.
Fountain Valley — Public Works Director Scott Smith gave a recap of the U.S.–Japan Sister Cities Summit held in Izumisano City in September and urged council to evaluate whether a formal sister-city program could benefit local education, cultural tourism and economic development.
Smith said the summit drew 562 participants and included sessions on economic partnerships, youth-exchange programs and sports diplomacy. He noted examples of private-sector ties — from Kikkoman’s early U.S. investment to newer ventures such as Origami Sake — that illustrate how sister-city relationships can spur business and cultural exchange.
Councilmembers who attended described personal takeaways, including how sister-city relationships supported communities after natural disasters, and how youth and sports exchanges can create long-term cultural ties. "It was a good team building as well," Councilmember Grandes said of the delegation’s visit. Former Mayor Steve Nagel and other participants said nonprofits such as Kiwanis and the community foundation could help underwrite exchanges.
Smith said staff will form an advisory group and coordinate an early‑November meeting to evaluate partner cities, program focus areas and potential grant opportunities (including Japan–U.S. grant programs and grants.gov). The council did not take a formal vote to commit to a sister city; it directed staff to continue evaluation and return with recommendations.
