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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.2 Sister City Program Update, Focus Group Framework Reviewr DUBLIN CALIFORNIA STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL Agenda Item 7.2 DATE: .Line 20, 2023 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager SU B.ECT: Sister City Program Update: Focus Group Framework Review Prepared by: John Stefanski, Assistant to the City Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will receive an update on the Sister City Program and the work completed by the Sister City Focus Group, the result of which is a framework from which a future Sister City Association can be established. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report and provide feedback on the proposed program framework. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: At its February 21 meeting, the City Council received an informational report on reinvigorating the Sister City Program. As a result of this, the City Council directed the City Manager to convene a Sister City Focus Group to assist in identifying and developing the goals of a reinvigorated Sister City Program, as well as the process by which community members would be selected to participate in the ongoing management and development of the program. The City recruited community members to join the Focus Group from March 29 through April 20 and resulted in the following members: • Dawn Benson • Namrata Berry • Sophie Gao • Inge Houston • Kim Hudson Page 1 of 5 380 • Michelle Smith McDonald • Eman Tai • Natasha Triplett • Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold The Focus Group met five times and worked to develop (1) a sister city program mission, vision, and objectives; (2) a sister city selection framework; and (3) a recruitment outreach and communications strategy. The result of their input is a framework from which a future sister city association can be established, as described below. Mission Statement The Dublin Sister City Program celebrates diverse cities and their vibrant communities by fostering relationships and partnerships that promote economic development and trade opportunities, arts and cultural exchanges, and global citizenship. Vision Statement Our vision is to create a world where sister city relationships serve as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural understanding, and internationalism. We envision a future where communities come together to celebrate their diversity and explore other cultures, creating a more connected and empathetic world. We aspire to be active participants of such exchanges, where our community benefits from the shared experiences and relationships forged between sister cities. Program Objectives Economic Development and Trade Exchange Program Obiectives • To identify and develop new business opportunities and partnerships between sister cities that support economic growth and job creation. • To facilitate the exchange of quality practices and innovations in industry and trade, as well as knowledge and expertise in relevant fields. Cultural Exchange Program Obi ectives • To promote mutual understanding, and appreciation of diverse cultures and traditions through artistic and cultural performances, exhibitions, and festivals. • To facilitate opportunities for locals from sister cities to interact and engage with each other's cultural heritage, such as through public art, professional and educational opportunities, cuisine, and other cultural activities. Youth and Student Exchange Program Obiectives • To promote cross-cultural learning and exchange among young people from different backgrounds, developing empathy and global awareness through shared experiences. • To support the personal and academic growth of young people by providing access to unique educational opportunities and resources such as student exchange programs, language immersion, career and technical education, and community service projects. Page 2 of 5 381 Sister City Selection Criteria Prior to developing a sister city selection criterion, the Focus Group identified those characteristics of Dublin that they believe the City could bring to a potential sister city relationship. These include: • Outstanding parks • Robust public art • Historical assets and connection with heritage • High quality schools • Diverse and family -oriented community culture • Younger community with multi -generational families • Connection with military • Software and technology industries • Vibrant small businesses With these characteristics in mind, the Focus Group then identified the following considerations to be utilized when searching for and determining compatibility with a potential sister city. 1) Overarching Considerations a) Complementary Strengths and Expertise i) Identify cities with complementary strengths and areas of expertise that can foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. b) Track Record of Successful Partnerships i) Consider cities with a proven track record of successful sister city partnerships, indicating their commitment to sustained collaboration. 2) Demographic and Geographic Factors a) Growing Population i) Seek cities with a similar population growth history, particularly growth related to urbanization and development. b) Multicultural and Diverse Populations i) Look for cities with diverse and multicultural populations. c) Reasonable Proximity to the City of Dublin i) Prioritize cities that are reasonably close to the City of Dublin, enabling convenient travel and fostering regular interaction. 3) Economic Factors a) Complimentary Economic Strengths and Opportunities i) Identify cities with complementary economic strengths, providing opportunities for trade, investment, and business collaboration. b) Similar Industries or Sectors i) Consider cities with similar industries, sectors, or composition (i.e., mix of small businesses). 4) Cultural, Civic, and Educational Factors a) Reputable Educational Institutions and Universities i) Give preference to cities hosting reputable educational institutions and universities, promoting academic partnerships and student exchanges. b) Shared interest in Robust Networks of Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational Facilities Page 3 of 5 382 i) Seek cities with well -developed networks of parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities. c) Shared interest in Public Art and Historical Assets i) Consider cities with a rich cultural heritage, including significant public art installations and historical landmarks. 5) Miscellaneous Factors a) Degree of Cooperation between the United States and the Foreign Country i) Assess the current degree of cooperation between the United States and the potential sister city in political, economic, commercial, and cultural fields. b) Compatibility of Governance and Values i) Evaluate the compatibility of governance structures and shared values to ensure effective collaboration and mutual understanding. c) Compatibility of Program Objectives and Priorities i) Ensure that the objectives and priorities of the sister city program align with those of the potential city, enhancing the potential for successful collaboration. Recruitment Process When forming a new sister city program or association, Sister City International recommends such work be completed by a community group of individuals who are willing to commit the time, effort, and resources to standing up the organization and forming long-term relationships with potential sister cities. Accordingly, the Focus Group recommends the City proceed with a structured recruitment process that involves a brief application detailing an individual's interest in this work. These applications will be reviewed and ranked by a neutral selection panel consisting of one member of the Focus Group, one member of City Staff, and one chair of a City commission. Utilizing recommendations from Sister City International and their template association bylaws, the Focus Group recommends this selection committee choose 8-10 community members to serve as the inaugural association board. These individuals should be reflective of the City's diversity and have interests which align with the proposed program objectives developed by the Focus Group. These selected community members will serve terms ranging from one to three years to ensure continuity as this effort progresses. The City envisions these community members utilizing the framework to establish a formal Sister City Association and proceed with cultivating an initial sister city relationship. The City is proposing that a member of City Staff also serve as an ex-officio member of this nascent association, initially, to help shepherd its development. Recruitment Outreach and Communications Strategy The Focus Group proposes a multi -faceted outreach strategy to ensure people who may be interested in playing a role in establishing a formal sister city association are made aware of the opportunity. This includes targeted outreach to residents who are active or have been active with the City through Inside Dublin, the Community Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as those residents who may have applied for a board or commission seat but were not appointed. Other targeted outreach will also include Dublin civic groups including, but not limited to, the Chamber of Commerce and Dublin Rotary, and then to broader community via the City's social media channels and outreach at the Farmer's Market. Page 4 of 5 383 Other Outreach As a part of this work, City Staff surveyed several community members who were involved with the former Dublin Sister City Association (DSCA) to learn from their experiences and surface potential issues that may arise over the course of this work. From this feedback, the greatest challenge the DSCA experienced was with identifying and recruiting new members and keeping them active in the Association. These members suggested that future efforts focus on identifying a sister city that residents in Dublin have some existing connection with. They also expressed a desire for the City to maintain its strong relationship with Bray, Ireland. Next Steps Following feedback from the City Council, Staff will work with the Focus Group to proceed with the outreach and recruitment strategy. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: None. Page 5 of 5 384 Sister City Program Update: Focus Group Framework June 20,2023 DUBLIN CALIFORNIA 385 Background • February 21, City Council Meeting — Directed staff to convene a Focus Group to develop a framework for a reinvigorated Sister City Program. • Focus Group met five times over seven weeks to develop: — Program Mission,Vision, Objectives — Sister City Selection Framework — Recruitment Outreach and Communications Strategy Framework Review • Mission Statement — The Dublin Sister City Program celebrates diverse cities and their vibrant communities by fostering relationships and partnerships that promote economic development and trade opportunities, arts and cultural exchanges, and global citizenship. Program Objectives Economic Development and Trade Exchanges Cultural Exchanges Youth and Student Exchanges VM DUBLIN CALIFORNIA 388 Sister City Selection Criteria • Overarching Considerations — Complementary strengths and expertise — Track record of successful partnerships • Demographic and Geographic Factors — Growing population — Multicultural/diverse populations — Reasonable proximity to Dublin Selection Criteria, 2 • Economic Factors — Complimentary economic strengths and opportunities — Similar mix of industries or Sectors • Cultural, Civic, and Educational Factors — Reputable educational institutions and universities — Shared interested in parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, public art and historical assets Selection Criteria, 3 • Miscellaneous Factors — Degree of cooperation between United States and the foreign country. — Compatibility of governance and values — Compatibility of program objectives and priorities Next Steps • Proceed with recruitment process — Looking for 8- I 0 community members to stand up a Sister City association. — Brief application process, neutral selection panel. • Seeking individuals that reflect the City's diversity, and alignment with the proposed program framework. Targeted Outreach Strategy • Residents who are active or have been active with the City. — Inside Dublin Grads, CommunityTask Force, etc. • Dublin Civic Groups — Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, etc. • Broader Community Outreach — Social Media, Farmer's Market Staff Recommendation I. Receive the Report 2. Provide feedback on the proposed program framework. Questions and Comments VM DUBLIN CALIFORNIA 395