Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding the Formulation and Implementation of Sister City Relations Between the Village of Wadi Foquin, Palestinian Territories and the City of Alameda. (Community Development 285) [Continued from November 21, 2017 to December 5, 2017]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
RE: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding the Formulation and Implementation of Sister City Relations Between the Village of Wadi Foquin, Palestinian Territories and the City of Alameda
BACKGROUND
Alameda's Sister City program works to promote cultural understanding and cooperation with cities around the world, and to strengthen international partnerships at the municipal and person-to-person levels. Alameda currently has three active Sister Cities, and one active Friendship City:
Sister Cities
* Jiangyin, China (2008)
* Dumaguete, Philippines (2015)
* Yeongdong-gun, South Korea (2017)
Friendship City
* Wuxi, China (2005)
The Sister City program is a partnership between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Sister Cities Association (ASCA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2009. Prior to 2009, the Sister Cities program was facilitated by the Social Services Human Relations Board (SSHRB) Sister City workgroup. ASCA evaluates and recommends new Sister Cities for adoption and, as a representative of the City of Alameda, organizes and supports all Sister City activities, including fundraising and cultural events, economic exchanges, delegation visits, and humanitarian efforts, among other initiatives.
The relationship between Wadi Foquin and the Alameda community began in 2009, when the Buena Vista United Methodist Church (the "Buena Vista UMC") established a partnership with the village. In 2015, the Buena Vista UMC hosted Mr. Ahmad Sokar, the Mayor of Wadi Foquin, on...
Click here for full text