SISTER CITIES COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Receive the response on the request to select a new Sister City
body
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
SUBMITTED BY: Marcie Schatz, Assistant to the City Manager
Under New Business at the January 21, 2026, meeting, Commissioner See presented a process and engagement plan to select a new Sister City. The purpose of this memo is to provide a response to the process and timing to select a new Sister City.
Previous City Council direction
The City Council discussed the purpose and future of the Sister Cities Commission at the December 5, 2023, City Council meeting. At that time, the City Council recommended to maintain the Commission with a scope as defined in Section 2-11-1 of the Naperville Municipal Code, allow the Commission to schedule quarterly meetings with the flexibility for additional meetings as needed, define transparent distinctions between the roles of the Sister Cities Commission and the Sister Cities Foundation, and provide annual updates on all the City’s boards and commissions.
Section 2-11-1 of the Naperville Municipal Code states:
There is hereby created a Naperville Sister Cities Commission for the purpose of creating greater understanding and of fostering a lasting friendship between the people of Naperville and its sister cities, Nitra, Slovakia, Pátzcuaro, México, and Cancun, México. The Sister Cities Commission may also carry out other activities as directed by City Council.
Sister Cities Commission Activities 2024-25
Since that time, the Commission and Foundation approved roles and responsibilities delineating the two bodies, Commission members re-established connections with Nitra, the Library hosted Sister City related activities, a Monarch Garden reflecting the relationship with Patzcuaro is nearing completion, the Commission and Foundation sponsored the Young Artists Competition and discussions of a student exchange program are underway.
The Commission remains committed to re-establishing connections with Cancun and Patzcuaro and refining the relationship with the Foundation to ensure clear expectations and lines of communication.
New Sister City Proposal
Commissioner See presented a proposal under New Business at the January 21, 2026, to engage the community in the selection of a new Sister City. The proposed process was thoughtful and focused on building interest and engagement in the Sister Cities program.
The decision to pursue a new Sister City requires the approval of the City Council since it expands the codified purpose of the Sister Cities Commission. Because the Commission has not yet re-established relationships with our current Sister Cities, staff does not recommend pursuing additional Sister Cities. The Sister Cities Commission can review this question as the annual report is completed each year.