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Sacramento ratifies sister‑city agreement with Morelia, Mexico
Summary
The Sacramento City Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing a sister‑city relationship with Morelia, Michoacán, and authorized the mayor to sign an MOU to promote cultural, educational, tourism and economic exchanges.
The Sacramento City Council unanimously approved a resolution to establish a sister‑city relationship with Morelia, Michoacán, on a voice vote that the mayor said passed with no noes or abstentions. Council authorized the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding formalizing cooperation on culture, education, tourism and economic development.
Council members and community leaders framed the agreement as a formalization of months of engagement, including a February 2026 delegation to Morelia. Mayor McCarty described the ratification as more than paperwork, saying the partnership “is an opportunity to further strengthen” long‑standing ties between Sacramento and communities in Michoacán.
Kathy Rodriguez Aguirre, president and CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber supports the initiative as a pathway for business growth, student exchanges and cultural understanding: “When businesses collaborate, communities engage, and cultures are embraced, prosperity follows.” Augustine Atiaga of the Crocker Art Museum and Mike Testa of Visit Sacramento also spoke about arts collaboration and tourism as pillars of the partnership.
Several council members urged the council to view the relationship as a chance to expand student exchanges and cultural programs. Council member Dickinson said the arrangement “elevates” Sacramento’s international ties, and Council member Kaplan emphasized opportunities for the next generation to participate in exchanges. Council member Vang thanked city staff and the delegation for bringing the initiative forward.
The meeting included one public comment from Dave Tamayo, who welcomed the Morelia delegation and expressed excitement about local community connections and future opportunities for local agencies to participate.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra moved to adopt the resolution; the vice mayor seconded the motion. The council voted in favor by voice, and the mayor and delegation then signed the agreement on the dais. The mayor adjourned the meeting following the signing.
The MOU and resolution outline programs for cultural and artistic exchange, educational partnerships, tourism promotion and technical collaboration on public policy and sustainability. The resolution notes the council adopted an intention to pursue this relationship on Sept. 16, 2025, and cites the February 2026 delegation as part of the lead‑up to today’s ratification. Details about specific funding, timelines for exchange programs, and staff assignments to implement the MOU were not specified at the meeting.
