ORDINANCE NO. 260247

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Sponsor: Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw

Establishing a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra, Ghana and authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Mayor of Accra and take any other appropriate measures necessary to formalize and implement this Sister City relationship.

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WHEREAS, Kansas City is a globally connected city with a strong tradition of international partnerships that strengthen economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development; and

WHEREAS, Accra, Ghana is a major economic, cultural, and innovation hub in West Africa, serving as Ghana’s capital city and a gateway for international commerce, technology, education, and tourism; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City and Accra share key similarities as regional economic anchors, centers for entrepreneurship, vibrant arts and music communities, and diverse populations that contribute to each city’s cultural identity and global outlook; and

WHEREAS, both cities are investing in workforce development, technology, infrastructure, and small business growth as part of their long term strategies for economic competitiveness; and

WHEREAS, a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra will create new pathways for trade, business development, educational partnerships, cultural exchange, tourism, and innovation that benefit residents and businesses in both cities; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor of Accra, has formally expressed interest in entering into a Sister City partnership with Kansas City and in building a strong, collaborative relationship between the two cities; and

WHEREAS, community leaders, business owners, and residents in Kansas City are forming the Kansas City Ghana Committee, a civic and cultural partnership group committed to supporting and sustaining this Sister City relationship through exchanges, programming, and economic engagement; NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY THAT:

Section 1. That a Sister City relationship between Kansas City and Accra, Ghana is hereby established.

Section 2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the Mayor of Accra, Ghana and take any other appropriate measures necessary to formalize and implement this  Sister City relationship.

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                                                                                                                              Approved as to form:

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                                                                                                                              Bret Kassen

                                                                                                                              Associate City Attorney