10.22.2026 Sister Cities Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sister Cities Committee met on October 22, 2026. The committee discussed the Sister City Fund, including a generous donation and a member’s announcement that they would contribute a matching $500. Staff are coordinating with the city manager and finance director on procedures for accepting donations and approving expenditures; spending from the fund requires city-manager approval. A press release was proposed to promote the fund, with newsletter outreach to follow the city’s process. No procurement award or spending approval was made at this meeting.

The committee also discussed a Capital Improvement Plan item for the municipal building complex grounds: preserving or replacing cherry trees, propagating trees related to those already on site, and improving accessibility around the planting area. The work is contingent on the municipal building project’s schedule and future funding allocations; no contract, vendor, or project budget was identified. Other discussion covered planning a Halifax visit, the Santo Arcangelo reception, and possible future Sister City events.