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AGENDA ITEM
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Report: Sister Cities Program Annual Report
1. Motion to Note and File Annual Report
2. Motion Directing Staff on Hosting a Cultural Event
COUNCIL ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the first full year since Council directed the revitalization of Glendale’s Sister Cities Program, the City has made good progress in rebuilding governance, strengthening international relationships, and engaging the community. A Sister Cities Committee was established with representatives from all sister and friendship cities, supported by the hiring of a dedicated Program Coordinator. Staff reconnected with every partner city and created a centralized records system to ensure continuity.
The Program launched initiatives to raise visibility and community participation, including the Under One Sky kickoff event, presence at multiple citywide festivals, and strengthened partnerships with cultural organizations. Delegations from South Korea, Mexico, Armenia, and Artsakh visited Glendale, while the City supported youth cultural exchanges with Boeun-gun and Kapan. Mayor Najarian further advanced diplomatic ties through international visits to Japan, South Korea, and Armenia.
Staff is seeking Council direction on hosting a multicultural community event similar to the City’s former Unity Fest, a request made by the Sister Cities Committee and also raised by Council.
Overall, the first year laid a strong foundation for a coordinated and community-engaged Sister Cities Program that promotes cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and global goodwill.
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for3/10/2026 calendar
2 RECOMMENDATION
That Council note and file the annual report and consider approval of an annual cultural event.
ANALYSIS
Background
On August 13, 2024, the City Council directed staff to establish a Sister Cities Committee as the governance structure for revitalizing Glendale’s Sister Cities Program. Council instructed the City Manager to create the committee, define its mission, membership, and operating procedures, and ensure it serves as a central clearinghouse for all sister and friendship city activities. Council also approved funding for a part-time Senior Administrative Analyst to coordinate the program, maintain records, support committee operations, and provide annual updates.
Recruitment and Selection of Program Coordinator
A recruitment for the Program Coordinator launched in August 2024, yielding 20 applications. Six candidates advanced to oral interviews and performance testing, and three finalists participated in hiring interviews with the City Manager’s Office and Library, Arts & Culture.
Ani Avanesyan was hired as the City’s Sister Cities Program Coordinator on January 7, 2025. Ani brings six years of experience with organizations such as the World Bank and United Nations, specializing in international collaboration, stakeholder relations, and government affairs. She holds an MBA, a bachelor’s in Linguistics and Intercultural Communications, and is a certified Project Manager. She is multilingual in English, Armenian, and Russian.
Annual Report - 2025
1. Records Management
In response to Council comments and to build institutional continuity, a centralized records system is being developed, including:
A comprehensive contact database for all sister and friendship cities. A repository of historical documents, resolutions, and agreements. A dedicated email account ensuring long-term accessibility.
2. Sister and Friendship Cities Engagement
Following Council direction, staff reconnected with all sister and friendship cities; each confirmed interest in strengthening ties.
3 Activities:
Successfully reengaged long-inactive sister city Playas de Rosarito, Mexico. oMaintained communication at the Ventana a México event (April 2025) oHosted a follow-up Rosarito delegation visit to Glendale Initiated outreach to reestablish relations with Tlaquepaque, Mexico Determined that Martuni, Artsakh will remain in Legacy Status due to the geopolitical situation, preserving cultural ties while acknowledging present realities.
3. Community Outreach and Engagement
Program Webpage: A dedicated webpage has been launched to highlight program activities, committee information, and ways for the community to get involved.
Launch Event: The “Under One Sky” kickoff event was held on March 26, 2025, at the Alex Theatre.
Over 100 attendees, including community members, international delegates, and civic leaders.
Introduced the revitalized Sister Cities Program.
Supported recruitment for committee membership and community volunteers.
One-on-one outreach was conducted with interested residents, as well as coordinated engagement with City departments, Glendale Unified School District, and Glendale Community College.
4. Committee Formation
The Sister Cities Committee was formally established. Members bring deep cultural, community, and professional experience.
Committee Representatives:
1. Boeun-gun, Gimpo, Goseong, South Korea – Chang Lee
2. Gyumri, Armenia – Lerna Shirinian
3. Higashiosaka, Japan – Keiko Nakada
4. Kapan, Armenia – Tavit Ohanian
5. Martuni Legacy, Artsakh – Nora Yacoubian
6. Rosarito, Mexico – Guillermo Garcia
7. Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic – Clara Tavarez
8. Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines – Lucille Floresta
9. Tlaquepaque, Mexico – Palmira Perez Najarian
10.Yerevan Kentron District, Armenia – Louisa Sharamatyan
11.Representative at Large – TC Kim
Liaisons:
Library, Arts & Culture – Jane Kim
Economic Development – Jenny De La Mora
Glendale Community College – Kevin Mack
Glendale Unified School District – Nancy Hong
4 5. Committee Activities
The Committee Kick-Off Meeting was held August 7, 2025, followed by four additional meetings, during which members:
Reviewed the committee mission and goals.
Formed/identified subcommittees.
Began brainstorming for a multi-cultural event celebrating Glendale’s sister cities.
6. Sister Cities International Engagement
Staff continues to actively engage with Sister Cities International to ensure accuracy of Glendale’s listings including our friendship cities that were missing. Ongoing coordination with Elena Galvez, SCI State Representative. Participation in SCI roundtables and the annual business meeting.
7. Additional Community Engagement Activities
Hosted a Sister Cities booth at the 4th Annual Vardavar Water Festival. Participated in a business expo with the Chamber of Commerce of Dominicans Abroad, strengthening ties with Santiago de los Caballeros. Hosted a booth at the Cherry Blossom Festival in celebration of the ties with Higashiosaka, Japan.
Program Coordinator attended the California–Japan Sister Cities Workshop and maintained ongoing communication with sister cities stakeholders.
8. Delegation Visits
January 9, 2025 – Incheon, South Korea: Discussed high-tech production infrastructure and cultural exchange
September 19, 2025 – Artsakh Voice Delegation: Council welcomed displaced families and cultural performers
October 14–15, 2025 – Rosarito & Incheon Delegations: Continued economic, cultural, and educational exchange discussions
9. Student Cultural Exchanges
The Program supported two student visits to promote cross-cultural understanding and youth diplomacy.
January 14, 2025 – Boeun-gun, South Korea: Students visited and learned about local government and the extreme windstorms that took place in January 2025. June 12, 2025 – Kapan, Armenia: Students attended a budget study session, providing them with valuable insight into the inner workings of local government, including how the City prioritizes funding, plans community services, and addresses the needs of its residents. Following the study session, the City hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting students, offering the students a chance to engage with City officials in an informal setting and exchange ideas on governance and culture. 5 10. International Trips by Councilmembers to Strengthen Sister Cities Relationships Armenia
Councilmember Asatryan (June 2024): Reinforced ties with Kentron District, Gyumri, and Kapan.
Mayor Najarian (September 2025): Strengthened sister city relationships; discussed cultural exchange, economic initiatives, and public art.
Korea
Councilmember Asatryan (October 2024): Cultural and economic discussions with Seoul and Goseong.
Mayor Najarian (November 2025): Engaged sister and friendship city relationships.
Japan
Councilmember Asatryan (February 2025): Engaged MOFA, JETRO, and elected officials; visited sustainability and energy sites; reinforced ties with Higashiosaka. Mayor Najarian (October 2025): Met national and local leaders, toured cultural and transportation sites, and attended the Japan–U.S. Leadership Summit.
Cultural Event Proposal
Sister Cities Committee members have expressed interest in hosting a multicultural event similar to Unity Fest in Fall 2026. The City used to host an annual Unity Fest celebrating Glendale’s cultural diversity. The focus of the event was to showcase Glendale's rich cultural diversity and featured music, food, and performances representing various backgrounds. The event used to be held at Verdugo Park.
The request to bring back a Unity Fest type of event has also come up at a recent Council meeting. If Council wishes to proceed, staff will develop a cost proposal after consulting with the impacted City Departments and present a resolution of appropriation for Council consideration at a future Council meeting.
Benefits of hosting this event include: 1) Strengthening community engagement, 2) Showcasing global cultures represented in Glendale and 3) Supporting tourism, cultural diplomacy, and community diversity. However, Council should also consider the City’s fiscal challenges in evaluating this request.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the annual report. If Council wishes to move forward with hosting a multicultural event, a resolution of appropriation will be brought forth for Council consideration once the event costs have been developed.
On a related note, as staff is preparing the FY 2026-27 City Budget and in anticipation of Committee members desire to carry out programming, staff will be including a budget line item for Council consideration as part of the budget review process. These funds will pay for facility use/rental related fees, food, supplies, etc. Depending on the level of fundraising by the Committee, some or all of these costs may be offset. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
N/A
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Annual Report
Council may choose not to note and file the annual report and instead request revisions or additional information.
Council may consider any other alternative.
Cultural Event
Council may choose not to approve a multicultural event at this time. Council may direct staff to return with additional information for future Council consideration.
Council may consider any other alternative.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
Prepared by:
Ani Avanesyan, Sr. Administrative Analyst, Sister Cities Program Coordinator Elena Bolbolian, Chief Innovation Officer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None