Palo Alto Set To Take Part In First-Ever 'Sibling Cities'

PALO ALTO, CA — Palo Alto is proposing to be part of the first-ever Sibling Cities relationship in the country.

The partnership, which would be with the city of Bloomington, Ind., will come before the city council next week. The goal is to build community, goodwill and dialogue between the two cities.

The mayors of the two cities held a joint news briefing Tuesday announcing the proposal. Palo Alto Mayor Tom DuBois said he hoped the arrangement would lead to other cities establishing similar partnerships.

“I’ve felt that our country could really benefit from a program that encourages building bridges from coast to heartland,” DuBois said. “We can learn from each other and seek ways to combine our strengths for the benefit of the country.”

Bloomington, Indiana’s sixth-largest city, has 80,500 residents in south-central Indiana. Like Palo Alto, it is also a college town with economies driven by tech sectors, along with travel and tourism.

“Bloomington and Palo Alto share several similarities and also reflect some differences,” Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said. “I believe this new relationship can significantly benefit the residents of our respective communities for years to come, with mutual learning and collaborations.”

The partnership would begin “as soon as possible,” according to a news release. The two cities discussed potential exchange visits early next year.

The arrangement’s framework will be guided by Sibling Cities USA, an organization founded by Palo Alto resident Vicki Veenker.

“Launching this historic Sibling Cities USA pilot with Mayors DuBois and Hamilton is a first step toward a network of relationships that promote unity across this great country,” Veenker said in a news release. “I am eager to support these first visionary sibling cities, identify the next cohort of city pairs, partner with like-minded organizations and government entities, and expand the program.”