cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: May 28, 2024
SUBJECT:
Establishing the Sister Cities Commission Board Under Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances.
PURPOSE:
To create an advisory body for the purpose of establishing greater understanding and cooperation and fostering a lasting friendship between Aurora and its future sister cities.
BACKGROUND:
The city announced its intention to establish a "Sister Cities" program in April of 2024. One of the recommendations in the process is to establish an advisory board to support the ongoing relationships when the program is up and running.
The format, mission and goals of this commission aligns with other current city boards, commissions, and councils.
DISCUSSION:
This nine-member advisory commission will be tasked with the following:
• Establish and maintain liaison with Sister Cities International;
• Research Aurora’s sister city or cities and their respective country or countries, existing and proposed;
• Promote the following activities between Aurora and its sister city or cities:
o Leadership exchanges and partnerships
o Cultural exchanges for youth and adults
o Business and Economic development partnerships
o Exchange of medical knowledge and innovations
o Festivals and other celebrations of sister city or cities’ culture(s)
o Sporting events in collaboration with sister city or cities
• Evaluate relationships with current sister cities and make recommendations to City Council.
This commission will fulfill a role specific to the Sister Cities program, and will work with the other boards, commissions and councils and community groups.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully creates support and adoption of this ordinance.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Establishing the Sister Cities Commission Under Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the creation of the Sister Cities Commission will support the city’s efforts in establishing and maintaining relationships with sister cities; and
WHEREAS, creation of this board will continue to enhance the city’s efforts towards being a prime location for Sister Cities to partner.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Section 2-501 of Chapter 2, Article VI the City Code of Ordinances shall be adopted as set forth in Exhibit A, hereby creating the Sister Cities Commission.