Vallejo Sister City Commission Finalizes 2026-27 Work Plan; Prepares for Vital City Council Presentation
VALLEJO, CA [February 5, 2025] – In a special meeting held on February 5, the Vallejo Sister City Commission took decisive action to approve its 2026-2027 work plan and budget, while also mounting a strong defense of its role as the city’s “international relations department”. The meeting served as a final preparation for a critical special City Council meeting scheduled for March 3rd, where the commission will present its goals and advocate for its continued existence.
Budget and Youth Activities Approved
The commission officially approved a total budget of $15,710 for the upcoming fiscal year. A key addition to the budget includes a $300 line item for conference registrations, specifically to allow two commissioners to attend events like the Sister Cities International leadership conference.
The approved work plan outlines several international engagements, including:
- Hostings and Trips: Plans are moving forward for hosting and visiting delegations from Bagamoyo, Tanzania, and Ensenada, Mexico.
- Youth Outreach: The commission remains committed to its sister school programs and the International Science Fair.
- Cultural Events: The year will be marked by several citywide activities, including a Japanese tea gathering, Juneteenth celebrations, and a community garden and tree dedication.
During the budget discussion, a proposal to include a $500 stipend for families hosting international youth was extensively debated. While commissioners were “100% in favor” of the concept of student hosting, the item was ultimately excluded from the city budget due to potential liability concerns and the risk of it being viewed as a “gift of public funds”. Commissioners suggested that the Sister City Association, as a private organization, might be better suited to support host families directly.
Entry Sign Project Moves Forward
The commission also approved a presentation for the Sister City entry sign project to be heard by the Vallejo City Council. Under the proposal, the Association will bear the cost of the eight signs (estimated at approximately $571.20), while the city would manage the installation and maintenance as a public project. Commissioners emphasized that getting this project approved quickly is a priority.
Advocating for the Commission’s Future
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to responding to a city assessment report that recommended the elimination of the Sister City Commission. Commissioners voiced strong opposition to this recommendation, highlighting several key points:
- Citizen Diplomacy: Commissioners described their work as a “formal bridge” and “legitimacy” for international relations that a private association cannot sustain alone.
- Economic and Cultural Value: The commission acts as a vehicle for economic development, tourism, and global engagement, showcasing Vallejo’s diversity to the world.
- Volunteer Impact: Members noted that the commission saves the city money by performing specialized work that city staff would otherwise have to handle.
Call to Action: March 3rd Meeting
Chair Elissa Shanks Stewart and Commissioners Paul Lamb and Pelton Stewart were appointed to represent the commission at the March 3rd special City Council meeting. The commission is urging supporters to attend the meeting at City Hall to demonstrate the community’s commitment to Vallejo’s international partnerships.
“The commission provides structure, oversight, and a long-term vision,” noted Commissioner Norma Placido during the discussion. “Without the official status, Vallejo risks losing meaningful international partnerships built over decades”.
Public Access
Sister City Commission meetings are conducted in a public forum. We encourage our members and future members to listen in and participate in our commission meetings, to learn about the global initiatives the commission and association are supporting for the City of Vallejo. Meeting recordings and agendas may be accessed by clicking here [link will open to a City of Vallejo website].
