In June, 1973, the City Council established an advisory group to oversee and coordinate the activities of Santa Barbara's Sister City Program. The Sister City Program is part of the People-to-People Program initiated by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to promote friendship among people regardless of race, color or creed. This is done through the activities of private citizens, organizations and the City itself. Currently, Santa Barbara's Sister Cities include Toba City, Japan; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Weihai, Peoples' Republic of China; San Juan Metro Manila, Philippines; and Dingle Ireland.

General Functions

• Oversee and coordinate relationships with several cities in different countries throughout the world, especially Sister Cities.
• Host visitors from Santa Barbara's Sister Cities and/or individuals and groups from other countries.
• Advise City Council regarding creation of new Sister Cities.
• Continue a program of person-to-person contact in order to bring about an improvement in the understanding of the peoples of the world.
• Maintain all programs related to the above and ensure that all such activities are carried out in the best interests of the City of Santa Barbara.
• Prepare an annual report to City Council of the various activities that have gone on among various Sister City committees and any other activities involving international relations during the prior year.

Membership
3 Members (appointed by the City Council)

Each Sister City Committee operating an active program under the Sister City affiliate relationship appoints 1 member and 1 alternate member. The alternate may vote only in the absence of the regular member.

Qualifications
Three members, representing the public at large, are appointed by the City Council as follows:

• Two members must be residents of the City.
• One member may be a resident of adjoining areas of Santa Barbara County.

The members representing the Sister City committees must be residents of the City or adjoining areas of the County of Santa Barbara.

Length of Term
The 3 members appointed by City Council serve for 4 years and until their successors are appointed. Terms expire December 31 of the appropriate year.

The members representing each of the Sister City committees serve at the discretion of each of the Sister City committees.

Meeting Schedule
The Board meets on the first Wednesday of every other month at 12:00 noon in Conference Room 15, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.

Time Involved
Approximately 1 hour per meeting. Additional time commitment may be required for related activities.

Financial Disclosure Requirement
None.

Compensation
None.

Staff
City Administrator’s Office, (805) 564-5305.

Reference
Resolution Nos. 06-077, 06-076, 03-074, 03-008, 00-114, 96-024, 96-023, 96-022, 93-092, 93-023, 87-126, 87-110, 86-162, 86-060, 82-099, 82-036, 77-105, 7742, and 7741.