February 17, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: February 17, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Direct the City Manager to identify funding for the
Shimada Sister City Delegation Visit in Recognition of the 65th Anniversary of the Richmond–Shimada Sister City
Relationship
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Approval of this item will result in an appropriation of up to $23,000
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond is scheduled to host an official
delegation from Shimada, Japan, Richmond’s sister city, from August 18–21, 2026, in recognition of the 65th
anniversary of the Richmond–Shimada sister city
relationship. It has been a longstanding practice for the City to formally reciprocate the level of support and
hospitality previously provided to Richmond
representatives during official visits to Shimada, and to renew the mutual commitment underpinning this
longstanding international partnership.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the city manager to identify funding in an
amount not to exceed $23,000 for expenses associated
with hosting an official delegation from Shimada, Japan, in coordination with the Richmond–Shimada Friendship
Commission, and at mid-year provide an update on
potential requests from other Sister Cities for City Council consideration - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez
510-620-6503) and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-
620-6593).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 17, 2026
DISCUSSION:
The Richmond–Shimada sister city relationship was established in 1961 and has been sustained for more than six decades through reciprocal official visits, cultural exchange, and public engagement. The City of Richmond has historically participated in and supported official sister city delegation visits, including during milestone anniversaries such as the 50th anniversary in 2011, when official delegations and public-facing activities were coordinated through the Richmond–Shimada Friendship Commission.
During the City of Richmond’s most recent official visit to Shimada, in October 2025, the City of Shimada and its partners provided coordinated transportation, lodging, and hosted meals to Richmond representatives. The proposed appropriation allows Richmond to reciprocate that level of support in a manner consistent with past practice and established public purpose, while reaffirming the mutual commitments that underpin the sister city relationship as it enters its 65th year.
The visiting delegation is expected to arrive August 18, 2026, and depart August 21, 2026. The Richmond–Shimada Friendship Commission is planning the delegation’s agenda, which will include meetings with City leadership, visits to key civic and cultural sites, and public-facing activities that provide opportunities for Richmond residents to engage directly with the delegation.
Proposed expenditures include hotel accommodations, meals, and local transportation.
The City is currently estimating hotel costs at approximately $3,500, based on seven rooms for three nights. Transportation costs are estimated at approximately $9,500, informed by research and prior cost information provided by the Richmond–Shimada Friendship Commission. Meal costs are estimated at $25 per person, per meal, with final amounts dependent on participation and scheduling.
The City Council is directing the City Manager to identify funding in an amount not to exceed $23,000. This upper limit reflects customary practice in prior exchanges, where a portion of delegates participate in homestays, which may reduce overall lodging and related costs.
The City and the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission will also seek sponsorship from various organizations in an effort to subsidize the costs incurred.
These expenditures support an official governmental purpose. They facilitate a reciprocal international exchange that the City has historically engaged in and benefited from, advance cultural understanding, and provide structured opportunities for community participation.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None