The cities of Sacramento and Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, have officially established a Sister City partnership focused on tourism, economic development, education, arts and cultural exchange.
A special meeting of the Sacramento City Council and signing ceremony on June 25 marked the final step in formalizing the partnership, following an initial agreement signed by Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and Morelia Mayor Alfonso Martínez Alcázar in Morelia on Feb. 6.
“In this time of unnecessary division, we are focused on building bridges. Sacramento and Morelia are united by family, friendship, and shared values,” said Mayor McCarty. “This sister city agreement formalizes what our communities have long known – that when we invest in cooperation, we strengthen economic opportunity, educational exchange, and support for immigrant families on both sides of the border.”
California is home to nearly 2 million people with roots in the Mexican state of Michoacán, including more than 300,000 people in the Sacramento region.
“Over 300,000 people in our region have ties to Michoacán – and I am proud to be one of them,” said Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra. “This Sister City relationship is focused on collaboration and is supported by many Sacramentans who recognize that a strong community helps and learns from others. Both capital cities understand the importance of working together to enhance our shared interests of promoting arts and culture, education, tourism, and economic development while strengthening the bond between our two communities.”
A delegation of 35 government, business and community leaders from Morelia visited Sacramento June 25-28 to participate in the signing ceremony and meet with local leaders. The delegation visited the State Capitol, where members were recognized by the California Legislature, and participated in meetings focused on tourism, economic development, education, arts and culture.
“Visiting Morelia in February was such a great experience. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and we saw firsthand the strong connections that already exist between our communities. I’m excited to make this partnership official and continue building on this relationship,” said Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes.
During the City Council meeting, Sacramento leaders unanimously approved Morelia as the city’s newest Sister City. The ceremony also included the unveiling of a new Sister City sign outside City Hall and the presentation of a replica of Mexico’s Independence Bell, gifted by Fundación Honoris Causa USA and Harinera Monarca as a symbol of friendship between the two cities.
“We celebrate the contributions of the Michoacán community in Sacramento, and the warm embrace Sacramento has extended to generations of migrants who have enriched the social, cultural, and economic fabric of California,” said Gabriella Castillo, President of Fundación Honoris Causa USA, as she presented the bell.
Over the coming year, Sacramento and Morelia will work together to develop projects and exchanges in tourism, education, arts and culture, economic development and workforce opportunities. A Sacramento-Morelia Sister City Committee also plans to establish a nonprofit organization to support and coordinate future programs.
Morelia Mayor Alfonso Martínez Alcázar highlighted the close relationship between the two communities.
“Michoacán has half of its citizens living in Michoacán and the other half living in the United States, and that makes us even more like family,” he said. “I hope that this sister-city relationship between Morelia and Sacramento will serve to raise our voices internationally, among other nations, so that we focus not on what divides us, but on what unites us — we can see how the Michoacanos here contribute to the economy of the United States and also contribute very strongly to the economy of Mexico.”
Through the partnership, Sacramento and Morelia will collaborate to:
- Promote tourism and cultural exchange through joint events and artistic collaboration.
- Advance economic development, trade, innovation and growth in agriculture and small business.
- Support immigrant and migrant families and strengthen community relationships.
- Expand educational opportunities, professional collaboration and workforce development.
- Encourage citizen diplomacy to strengthen friendships, understanding and shared prosperity.
Photo credit: Roberta Alvarado
