Sister City partnerships can bring economic development and cultural benefits to your community, including expansion of international markets and a better understanding and tolerance of different cultures. At least fifteen Maryland municipalities maintain Sister City relationships with international partners as varied as Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Tapa, Estonia; and Ipala, Guatamala. And you don't necessarily have to be a large city to develop and benefit from a Sister City relationship as the Town of Oakland and the City of District Heights can attest.
Back in 2000, the Maryland National Guard helped initiate several Sister City partnerships with municipalities in Estonia. The Guard now hope to help build similar relationships between Maryland cities and towns and municipal partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more information about the benefits of a Sister City relationship and how to start one, contact MML Education Services Director Tom Reynolds at tomr@mdmunicipal.org.