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Council favors business-focused reactivation of Sister City program and asks staff to pursue outreach to Mexico
Summary
After a Feb. 3 presentation, councilmembers agreed to maintain existing sister/friendship-city ties, emphasize economic-development outcomes and to open outreach to Mexico while asking staff to return with goals and metrics for the program.
The Farmers Branch City Council on Feb. 3 directed staff to maintain existing sister- and friendship-city relationships while exploring a modified, business-oriented reactivation of the Sister City program, including outreach to Mexican partners.
Darren Harris, deputy director of economic development, said staff contacted existing sister cities and proposed three program approaches: (1) use sister-city ties to help small and mid-size firms access international markets; (2) identify one to three priority areas for mutually beneficial business partnerships; and (3) leverage universities and research institutions for student exchanges and peer research. He said the program’s current approved budget is $20,000 for every five-year visitation cycle.
Councilwoman Alyssa Rita Franca said she supported continuing the program but with modifications and recommended starting engagement with Mexico because of proximity and local business ties. "I think that we should continue with the sister city program with modifications...and consider adding only Mexico since they are our closest neighbor," she said. Other council members urged the program be structured to produce measurable economic outcomes rather than primarily cultural exchange.
Council asked staff to continue outreach to existing partners, contact the Mexican consulate to explore potential sister-city matches, and return with defined goals, metrics and conceptual plans. Council did not set final program goals or approve an expansion budget at the Feb. 3 meeting.
Next steps: staff will continue international outreach, engage consular contacts where appropriate, and return with proposed goals and metrics for council review.
