101-Kunshan Staff Report.pdf OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3212 www.cupertino.org
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: November 15, 2011
Subject
Consider establishing a sister city relationship with Kunshan, China, and endorse the creation of
a Kunshan Sister City Committee.
Recommended Action:
Establish a sister city relationship with Kunshan, China, and endorse the creation of a Kunshan
Sister City Committee so this committee and its members may develop an organization that fully
meets the sister guidelines of the City of Cupertino.
Description:
Over the past few years community members in Cupertino and Kunshan, China, have visited one
another. Through this exchange members of their respective communities have developed a
mutual interest in establishing sister city relations. The attached resolution affirms the City
Council of Cupertino's intention to create and maintain a sister city relationship with Kunshan,
China.
As has been the historical policy and practice of the city of Cupertino that sister city relationships
are maintained by community members. Working through their respective sister city committees,
our community directs, organizes and raises funds for sister city related activities.
Discussion
Community members in Cupertino working with residents, businesses and government officials
from Kunshan, understand the requirements of the Sister City Guidelines of the City of
Cupertino and appear to be able to successfully implement, and more importantly, to sustain a
meaningful level of activity for this sister city relationship.
• Committees in both cities are comprised of volunteers drawn from all sectors of society.
• Both cities enjoy strong support from local governments and public-private partnerships.
• Both cities have a strong commitment among volunteers and committees.
• Both communities have an interest in deepening understanding of each others’ culture.
• Both committees have the commitment of corporate partners to support activities.
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Prepared by: Rick Kitson, Public and Environmental Affairs Director
Approved for Submission by:
David W. Knapp, City Manager
Attachment A: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cupertino Establishing a Sister
City relationship Between Kunshan, China, and the City of Cupertino, and Sister City Committee
to Identify, Manage, Coordinate and Implement Activities relating Thereto.
Attachment B: Sister City Guidelines for the City of Cupertino, Adopted September 20, 2005.