Anchorage Sister Cities Commission Meeting Summary – September 14, 2026

The Anchorage Sister Cities Commission met on September 14, 2026, from 6:07 PM to 7:12 PM. The meeting was called to order with roll call and approval of the agenda, with an added item on term expirations under new business. Several unfinished and new business items were discussed, including updates on sister city relationships, a potential membership in Sister Cities International, and fundraising ideas.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously with the addition of discussing term expirations under new business.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Update on New Sister City – Recife, Brazil: Marie reported that the mayor of Recife sent a letter of partnership, now with the legal department for due diligence. A timeline of mid-to-late fall was suggested to manage expectations. No objections or concerns were raised.
• International Carving Festival: An item from a previous meeting was revisited. Commissioner Anna Vernia, who is a point of contact, was absent. The commission decided to table further discussion until more information is available from Anna, noting that participation could provide community outreach benefits and potential integration with sister city exchanges. No decision was made.
• Japanese Consular Strategic Planning Meeting: Scheduled for September 4, 2026, from 3 PM to 8 PM at the Marriott downtown. Commissioners Emily, Tasha, and Claudia will attend. The meeting aims to connect Japanese community organizations and stakeholders. Shane is unable to attend due to travel.
• Membership in Sister Cities International: Membership cost is $1,200 annually, based on city size. Carol (absent) previously offered to cover the cost for a pilot period. Benefits include network access, resources, toolkits, and discounted services. The commission agreed to research further and vote at the next meeting on September 23. Commissioners expressed interest but wanted clarity on logistics and benefits.
• Request from Darwin, Australia: City of Darwin invited project ideas for their 2026-2030 Sister City Action Plan, due September 30. Commissioners Kelsey and Claudia will coordinate with Marie to develop a proposal. Ideas include cultural and economic exchanges. The commission will review a draft at the September 23 meeting.
• Term Expirations: Commissioners Anya, Tatyana, and Jasmine are up for reappointment. Reappointment terms would extend to 2029. Commissioners interested were asked to email Marie.
• Sister City Reports:
  • Chitose, Japan: Hiroko reported that Miss Anchorage Becca Sewell visited Chitose, including visits to schools and a military base, and Chitose will invite Miss Anchorage again next July. A new high school exchange student from Chitose has arrived in Anchorage for 10 months. Middle school exchanges are planned for January 2027 with 10-15 students for a two-week visit. No Anchorage students are going to Chitose this year.
  • Whitby, England: Eddie reported no recent response from contacts. The whale bone arch (a gift from Anchorage) will be taken down in September, with a replica replacing it in early 2027.
  • Darwin, Australia: Already covered under new business; ideas are forthcoming.
  • Incheon, South Korea: The 40th anniversary is approaching. The mayor was re-elected, and the commission will follow up on potential exchanges.
• Member Comments – Fundraising Idea: Commissioner Eddie proposed a Sister Cities 5K run for summer 2027 to raise funds and increase visibility. Ideas included finishing at a sister city monument or park. The commission will revisit fundraising and activity plans at the September 23 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved with addition of term expirations.
• Recife sister city process advanced to legal review; timeline mid-to-late fall.
• Carving festival discussion tabled until more information from Commissioner Anna.
• Japanese strategic planning meeting on September 4; attendance confirmed.
• Sister Cities International membership vote deferred to September 23; further research to be done.
• Darwin proposal to be drafted by Kelsey and Claudia, with deadline September 30.
• Term expirations noted; reappointment interest requested by email.
• Next meeting scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM.