Title
Resolution Providing the City Manager Authority to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Establishing a Sister-City Relationship between the City of Greensboro, NC and the City of Suqian, Jiangsu Providence of the People’s Republic of China
Body
Department: Human Relations
Council District: City-wide
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Barbara Harris, Ext. 2002
Contact 2 and Phone: Love Crossling, Ext 2038
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this item is for Council’s consideration and adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a Sister-City relationship between Greensboro, NC, and the City of Suqian, Jiangsu Providence of the People’s Republic of China.
BACKGROUND:
In March 2016, the City of Greensboro received a letter of interest from the City of Suqian, China to form a Sister-City relationship with the City of Greensboro. In follow-up, a delegation from Suqian, China visited Greensboro during March 2016. The visit was arranged through the Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Charlotte, NC and Senator Rick Gunn’s office (NC - District 24) in Alamance County. The delegation included six (6) representatives from Suqian, three (3) representatives from Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Charlotte, and Senator Rick Gunn. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Former Councilmember Jamal Fox, and City Manager Jim Westmoreland hosted the delegation. During the visit, there was a review of the offerings of both cities, and discussion regarding the value of the Sister City relationship. The preliminary agreement was to continue exploring the relationship and to draft a Sister-City MOU.
The Director of the Human Relations Department was assigned the role as point-person to the Suqian delegation and members of the Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Over the course of 12 months, the Director and members of the delegation determined focus areas that would serve as the foundation of a worthwhile Sister-City relationship. The areas include: Recreation, Arts, and Tourism; Small Business Support; Economic Development (with a focus on Brewery Industry); and Education (Collegiate and Public School Partnerships).
During the October 17, 2017 Work Session, Council was presented with an overview of the request from Suqian and its demographics, the Sister Cities International initiative, and the draft MOU and four focus areas mentioned above (see attached presentation). In follow-up, the Council requested a copy of the draft MOU for review and asked that the item be placed on the November 14th Council meeting agenda. Upon establishing the MOU, the Human Relations Director will continue to coordinate with the Suqian delegation and begin follow-up work on the focus areas.
BUDGET IMPACT:
None at this time.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested that the City Council consider and adopt the attached resolution providing the City Manager with authority to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a Sister-City relationship between Greensboro, NC, and the City of Suqian, Jiangsu Providence of the People’s Republic of China.