Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Establishing a sister city relationship between the cities of Madison, Wisconsin in the United States and Bahir Dar, Amhara Region in Ethiopia.
Body
WHEREAS, the cities of Bahir Dar and Madison desire to develop friendly relations and cooperation to advance the mutual interests, benefits, and aspirations of residents of both cities; and,
WHEREAS, the cities of Bahir Dar and Madison share many similarities, including being the capital cities of their respective region and state; and,
WHEREAS, Bahir Dar is home to the largest lake in Ethiopia and Madison is home to five lakes; and,
WHEREAS, the cities of Bahir Dar and Madison are both home to large, public universities; and,
WHEREAS, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Bahir Dar University have been fostering a partnership for several years; and,
WHEREAS, the sister city partnership will promote the development of programs in several areas, including education, public health, economic development and sustainability; and,
WHEREAS, friendship unites people of all ages and backgrounds and thereby, culturally enriches the lives of residents of both cities; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Common Council believes that the proposed sister city relationship between the cities of Madison and Bahir Dar will promote and facilitate a greater understanding of the cultural ideals of the two communities and their residents,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council establishes a sister city relationship between the cities of Madison, Wisconsin in the United States and Bahir Dar, Amhara Region in Ethiopia and authorizes the Mayor to execute a sister city agreement to establish that relationship.