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 Dingle, Ireland; Kotor, Montenegro; Patras, Greece; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; San Juan Metro Manila, Philippines; Toba City, Japan; and Weihai, People's Republic of China.

General Functions

1. Oversee and coordinate relationships with several cities in different countries throughout the world, especially Sister Cities.
2. Host visitors from Santa Barbara's Sister Cities and/or individuals and groups from other countries.
3. Advise City Council regarding creation of new Sister Cities.
4. Continue a program of person-to-person contact in order to bring about an improvement in the understanding of the peoples of the world.
5. 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.
6. 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.