Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Memorandum of Agreement Regarding the Exchange and Cooperation Between Alameda, California, United States of America and Varazze, Italy. (Base Reuse and Economic Development 10061810)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a recommendation for the Mayor of Alameda to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Varazze, Italy and the City of Alameda (City). On September 5, 2021, the cities of Varazze and Alameda began the first step in a formal Sister City relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing of the MOA will help to solidify this relationship.
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 four active Sister Cities, and one active Friendship City:
Sister Cities (and initial year of agreements)
* Jiangyin, China (2008)
* Dumaguete, Philippines (2015)
* Yeongdong-gun, South Korea (2017)
* Varazze, Italy (2019)
Friendship City
* Wuxi, China (2005)
The Sister City program is a partnership between the City and the Alameda Sister Cities Association (ASCA), a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2009. Prior to 2009, the Sister City program was facilitated by the City's Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) Sister City workgroup. ASCA evaluates and recommends new Sister Cities for adoption and, as a representative of the City, organizes and supports all Sister City activities. These activities include fundraising and cultural events, economic exchanges, delegation visits, humanitarian efforts, and other initiatives.
Residents of Italian ancestry make up approximately 5.4% of the City's population (2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates). In 1941, loc...
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