8.20.2026 Sister Cities Committee

The City of Portsmouth Sister Cities Committee met on August 20, 2026, to discuss various topics related to their sister and friendship city programs. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the challenges of managing donations to the Sister City Special Reserve Fund, particularly the difficulty in tracking donor restrictions for specific sister cities within a single fund. The committee considered revising donation letter wording to simplify fund management and discussed the possibility of establishing a formal fund to support welcoming gifts and events without using taxpayer money. They also reviewed letters sent to sister cities Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Santo Angelo, Italy, including plans for public art installations and potential visits. The committee endorsed a citizen request to include cherry tree preservation and accessibility improvements in the Capital Improvement Plan, approving the motion unanimously. Additionally, the new high school principal, Chris Thibault, was introduced and expressed support for continuing and expanding student exchange programs. The committee also discussed the status of various sister and friendship city relationships, potential future trips, and the importance of community involvement. Meeting logistics, including scheduling the next meeting, were also addressed.