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Commissioners back $225,000 Sister Cities contract after presentation on international delegations and workforce program
Summary
Commissioners approved a $225,000 annual partner contract with Greater Columbus Sister Cities International and heard director Jamie Staley describe recent delegations, a Circle fellowship workforce program and plans to expand economic and cultural partnerships.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 21126 on April 7, 2026, authorizing a $225,000 contract with Greater Columbus Sister Cities International to support international economic and cultural partnerships.
Jamie Staley, executive director of Sister Cities, told commissioners the organization is marking its 30th anniversary in Franklin County and highlighted recent exchanges, including an economic-development delegation from Dresden that focused on apprenticeship education and collaboration with Columbus State Community College. Staley described the Circle fellowship program — a small, intensive workforce-development class that this year includes six fellows who travel to one of the program’s 10 sister cities for a professionally focused delegation — and said more than 80% of past fellows have advanced professionally after participation.
Commissioners praised the organization’s partnership with county economic-development staff and described international delegations as opportunities for economic development and workforce learning. The record includes lighthearted banter between a commissioner and Staley about anniversary greetings, but the body of remarks centered on program outcomes, recruitment and the organization’s role in promoting foreign-direct investment and cultural exchange.
Harrison Zeller of Economic Development and Planning introduced the presentation and recommended approval; the board moved, seconded and recorded its votes in favor. Commissioners requested brief remarks about the Circle fellowship and its workforce and policy projects; staff said the program emphasizes leadership development and a policy project component tied to the delegation experience.
The board’s approval enables Sister Cities to continue programming that connects Franklin County businesses, workforce candidates and cultural institutions with international partners. The item concluded with thanks to Staley and her small staff for their ongoing work.
