Next week, September 24 – 29, 2024, Mayor Wheeler will join delegates from across the Portland region on a trip to Japan to commemorate the 65-year sister city relationship anniversary between Portland and Sapporo.
This is the first sister city trip attended by Mayor Ted Wheeler in over four years. The Portland delegation, led by the Mayor, will include members from the City of Portland’s Office of Government Relations, Travel Portland, Portland Japanese Garden, Prosper Portland, Oregon Historical Society, The Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association, and more.
While abroad, Mayor Wheeler will remain in frequent contact with his administration and will receive regular updates on important issues.Mayor Wheeler looks forward to reconnecting with Sapporo Mayor Akimoto to highlight this important milestone, reinforce the City of Portland’s commitment to strengthening the relationship and advancing the following shared priorities and best practices impacting the sister cities of Portland and Sapporo:
· Promote Portland tourism that brings people and revenue to our downtown.
· Foster private and government sector collaboration to support Portland’s micro-breweries, food makers and continue existing economic development opportunities.
· Engage in cultural exchanges that help brand Portland as an inclusive, international, and welcoming city, as well as inspire quality of life and livability improvements for Portland residents.
· Learn and share promising practices in green spaces, urban planning, and good governance, food access, and supportive services for children living in poverty.
· Promote international education exchanges that support Portland’s education systems and Portland Japanese Garden.