Sister Cities

About

Sister Cities International (SCI) is a national initiative begun by Dwight D. Eisenhower shortly after World War II, to develop economic, cultural and technical exchanges between United States cities, counties and states with corresponding communities worldwide.

The goal of the Sister Cities program is to involve people and organized groups at all levels of society, establishing productive, people-to-people relationships through global community partnerships and volunteer action.

Today, the SCI represents 1,200 U.S. cities, counties and states and their 2,100 partners in 125 countries worldwide. As international cooperation gains importance, city-to-city programs continue to play a significant role in overall global development and cultural understanding.

Forming a Relationship

A sister city relationship is formed when the mayor or highest elected official (or, if elections do not take place, highest appointed official) from a U.S. community and a community in another country or territory sign a formal agreement on behalf of their communities endorsing a "sister city/sister cities" relationship.

Sister city agreements shall be considered active/valid unless otherwise indicated by one or both of the respective communities.

In order for a sister city/county/state partnership to be recognized by SCI, the two communities must sign formal documents which clearly endorse the link. This presumes several key items:

• The U.S. community is already a member of SCI and has followed proper procedures (e.g. passed a city council resolution declaring the intent to twin with the specific city).
• Both communities share a mutual commitment to the relationship.
• Each should have secured the necessary support structure to build a lasting relationship.

International Opportunities

The City of San Antonio enjoys active and productive sister city relationships with cities worldwide. Sister cities offer unique opportunities for diverse and exciting exchanges with residents in foreign communities.

In addition to our sister cities, San Antonio maintains official friendship city relationships that allow communities to explore partnerships before forming formal agreements.