City Council Agenda Report
August 18, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Amber Bulosan, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP COMMISSION APPROVAL OF PROPOSED
TRAVEL AND ACTIVITIES IN ZACATECAS, MEXICO IN SEEKING A
FRIENDSHIP CITY
Background:
The City of Norwalk’s International Friendship Commission was first created in 1961 to expand citizen diplomatic relationships and exchange cultural differences with other countries. The City’s demographic is mostly Hispanic/ Latino residents, and according to the United States Census Bureau, the majority is estimated at 70% of the population. Since the creation of the Commission, there have been various Sister Cities formally adopted by the City Council. Previous Sister Cities adopted by the City include cities in Mexico. Hermosillo, Sonora was adopted in 1961, Fresnillo, Zacatecas in 1993 and Morelia, Michoacan in 2005.
The City has shown successful implementation of programs and partnerships through its Sister City relationships. In 2005, the Commission informally began a student-to-student pen pal program between students from Lakeland Elementary and students in Morelia. In July of 2023, elected officials from Fresnillo, Zacatecas visited Norwalk for a meeting with City Council and staff. During their visit the Fresnillo elected officials and the City participated in conversation and a tour of City Hall.
Though the Sister City relationship with Fresnillo was formally terminated via Resolution No. 05- 34, the International Friendship Commission has decided that they would like to continue exploring connections with other cities in Zacatecas because of the significant number of residents with ties to the State. The Commission wishes to serve the Norwalk community as ambassadors on a trip to visit Zacatecas from September 11 to September 17, 2026.
Recommended attendees include two Councilmembers, two Commissioners, two City staff, and one member of the Chamber of Commerce. On this trip, they will visit three cities, Jalpa, Jerez,
City Council August 18, 2026
International Friendship Commission – Approval of
Proposed Travel and Activities
Page No. 2
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and Zacatecas. The group would meet with elected officials, meet business leaders, attend various traditional dances, and participate in different tours presented to the group.
The Commission’s objective is to explore a Friendship with the cities. A Friendship City relationship is intended to be less formal than a Sister City agreement. Establishing a Friendship allows for cities to build a partnership. The partnership provides the Commissioners with an opportunity to learn from Zacatecano traditions and approaches to serving their communities.
While Norwalk has a predominate Hispanic population, the City is home to many cultures, and a friendship with Zacatecas can broaden understanding, strengthen relationships, and identify programs and best practices that can be brought back to Norwalk to improve City services and better serve all residents.
Below is a chart of the budget for the trip which will include flights, hotel, transportation and daily expenses for 7 adults:
Flights Hotel Transportation Daily Expense
$ 4,854.50 $ 7,173.60 $ 1,400.00 $ 4,410.00 Total Expense: $17,838.10
Flights are budgeted roundtrip departures from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Zacatecas International Airport (ZCL). The Commissioners have also indicated that they are open to traveling to Tijuana, Mexico to board direct flights at Tijuana International Airport to Zacatecas, Mexico to reduce travel costs.
Fiscal Impact:
The anticipated fiscal impact of the proposed travel and activities is $17,838.10. Funding will be provided through multiple sources. The International Friendship Commission budget will contribute $5,096.60 for Commissioner travel expenses plus an additional $2,548.30 for a Chamber of Commerce representative. The City Council Travel Budget will cover $5,096.60 for Councilmember travel and the Administration Department’s budget will provide $5,096.60 for City Staff travel.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 3: Create and Sustain a Resilient and Economically Prosperous City
City Council August 18, 2026
International Friendship Commission – Approval of
Proposed Travel and Activities
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Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council:
a. approve the proposed travel and activities of the International Friendship Commission in Zacatecas, Mexico for the purpose of seeking a Friendship City that aligns with the Vision and Mission of the Commission; and
b. approve the budget of $17,838.10 for expenses including flights, lodging, and transportation.
Attachments:
N/A