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HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0047 - 2026-04-07 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 26-0047 di;Ttp To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 7, 2026 r',° Page 1 of 2 �i �O Y rrn SUBJECT: COST OF ADDING A NEW SISTER CITY ig7'd This Informal Report outlines projected costs associated with adding a new sister city to Fort Worth's international partnership network, including initial expenses, ongoing costs, and potential funding sources. Background The City of Fort Worth participates in the Sister Cities International program to promote global understanding, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation. Establishing a new sister city requires a formal City commitment and ongoing program support. The City currently provides up to $100,000 annually from the General Fund to Sister Cities, including a $50,000 base allocation and up to $50,000 contingent on fundraising performance. This report informs potential expansion of the Sister Cities portfolio. The Sister Cities Board has expressed interest in future additions, which would require an increase in base funding. Estimated Costs Costs are grouped into three phases: initial setup, ongoing annual expenses, and communications/outreach: Phase Timeframe Estimated Description Cost Initial Setup - One Year One - $16,000 Travel and initial engagement activities Time Costs Exploration Year Two - $41,500 Delegations, ceremonies, and agreement Formalization execution Ongoing Annual Annual $10,000 Program delivery and sustained Costs for Sister engagement; would require increased City Cities funding Cultural, business, and educational exchanges; delegation hosting; program development; staff coordination Communications Annual $5,000 Public awareness and community & Outreach engagement (managed by Sister Cities), Expenses for marketing materials, website & social Sister Cities media, and public engagement. Timinq The process to establish a new sister city spans approximately two years, with programming beginning in Year 3: • Year 1: Exploratory travel (e.g., Pacific Hub: Australia/New Zealand) • Year 2: Formalization via City Council action and ceremonies • Year 3: Program launch and exchanges ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 26-0047 di;Ttp To the Mayor and Members of the City Council r', V. �O Y rrn SUBJECT: COST OF ADDING A NEW SISTER CITY ig7'd Potential Fundinq Sources The Sister Cities Board will pursue external funding to offset costs: • Private sponsorships (businesses, corporations, foundations) • Grants (state, federal, private) • Membership dues • Community partnerships (education, nonprofit, arts) • Partnerships with Visit Fort Worth • Earned revenue from exchanges April 7, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Historical Fundinq of Sister Citv Development The most recent addition, Nimes, France (2019), did not require additional General Fund appropriations. Initial costs were largely offset through private fundraising, in -kind support, and existing funding. The City's fiscal impact was minimal and largely limited to elected officials' delegation travel. Recommendation Continue working with Sister Cities to assess long-term benefits. The addition of two new sister cities is contingent upon securing sponsorships and funding to offset program costs. If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Valerie Washington at Valerie.washinaton(a)fortworthtexas.gov Jesus "Jay" Chapa City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS