Menlo Park Sister City Association history
The Menlo Park Sister Cities Association (MPSCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Menlo Park, California, dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and international relationships through sister city and friendship city partnerships.
The idea of sister cities originated after World War II as a way to foster peaceful relations and cultural exchange between different nations. Sister cities are typically twinned based on shared interests, historical connections, or cultural similarities. These partnerships aim to promote mutual understanding, educational exchanges, and economic cooperation.
The city of Menlo Park, known as “The Capital of Venture Capital,” recognized the value of such international connections and decided to establish its own sister city program in 2015.
Beginning as a city-run committee with members appointed by the City Council, the Sister City Committee was formed to coordinate and facilitate these partnerships.
In 2020, the City Council approved a plan for the program to be governed by a community-based nonprofit organization that would work collaboratively with the City. The Menlo Park Sister Cities Association was formed in 2021 with the goal of connecting Menlo Park with cities around the world.
Galway, Ireland
The first sister city relationship of Menlo Park was established with Galway, Ireland. Menlo Park’s official relationship with Galway, Ireland, began in October 2013 when Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki and Galway Mayor Padraig Conneely signed a friendship agreement at Menlo Park’s annual State of the City event. The agreement highlighted the historical bond shared between these two cities going back over 150 years ago when two Galway men, Dennis J. Oliver and Daniel C. McGlynn, from the village of Menlo near Galway, traveled to California and purchased a ranch they called Menlo Park.
The agreement provided for further development of historical, heritage, educational and economic links between the two cities. It also affirmed a commitment to the advancement of friendly relations between our local authorities, our local institutions and between our residents.
Effective June 3, 2016, a full sister city agreement between the two cities was signed by Menlo Park Mayor Rich Cline and Galway Mayor Frank Fahy.
Bizen, Japan
The second sister city relationship occurred between Menlo Park and Bizen, Japan. Bizen is a city located in Okayama Prefecture, known for its historic Bizen ware (called Bizen yaki in Japanese) pottery and traditional crafts. The connection between Menlo Park and Bizen was based on the shared appreciation for art and culture.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a cultural exchange agreement with Bizen, Japan, on January 27, 2015. The two cities sought to enhance the economic opportunities, understanding and friendship between the two communities.
On February 22, 2020, the City Council approved full sister city status with Bizen, Japan.
The two cities have enjoyed an active student exchange program which typically sends 8-10 students from Menlo Park to Bizen every other year, and a delegation from Bizen to Menlo Park in the alternate years. The exchange paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2023.
Kochi, India
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. Menlo Park entered into a business, cultural and economic exchange agreement with Kochi, India, on February 11, 2015. The agreement was signed by Menlo Park Mayor Catherine Carlton and Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany.
Through this agreement, the two cities seek to enhance the economic opportunities, understanding and friendship between their two cities, and agree to other steps identified in the agreement.
Xinbei District (Changzhou), China
Over the years, Menlo Park also established a friendship city connection with Xinbei District (Changzhou), China.
Xinbei District, also known as Changzhou National High-tech Zone, is one of five districts under the jurisdiction of Changzhou in Jiangsu province of the People’s Republic of China.
Menlo Park Sister Cities Association mission statement
The Menlo Park Sister Cities Association works to promote global awareness, cultural appreciation, and international cooperation within the Menlo Park community. Through its international relationships, the association helps connect people from different backgrounds and create lasting bonds between communities across the world.