Providence, Rhode Island
The City of Providence serves as the capital and economic center of the State of Rhode Island. Located along the picturesque Narragansett Bay, the city has woven a unique tapestry of cuisine, culture, and innovation through time, cultivating a well-deserved reputation as New England’s Creative Capital. Home to prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the world-renown culinary program at Johnson & Wales University, the city boasts a rich educational landscape and innovative culinary scene. Providence’s architectural charm, with historic streetscapes such as Broad Street, Atwells Avenue, Hope Street, and Benefit Street, reflects its journey through time. Today, the city is a thriving hub of art, industry, and culture, showcased through year-round public events such as the captivating WaterFire, PVDFest, RI Pride, and dozens of heritage celebrations. As a nexus of history, education, and creativity, Providence remains a dynamic and captivating destination on the American map.
Sister-City Approach
The City of Providence has established a structured approach to reviewing and establishing sister city partnerships between the City of Providence and cities in other parts of the world. The City has developed criteria and procedures for engaging and affiliating with a prospective sister city.
Guiding Principles
The City of Providence can develop a sister city relationship with another city for reasons including, but not limited to historical, cultural, educational, and economic development related purposes. A successful sister city relationship is based upon at least two municipalities sharing a commitment to engage one another through collaboration and engagement of shared values and priorities. The guiding principles for selection include:
- Governments in both cities demonstrating an interest in affiliating
- A sponsor affiliation organization, advocate or community organization interested in supporting the relationship between the two cities
- Evidence that the sister-city relationship would be sustainable over time
- A proposed action plan on how the two cities can mutually demonstrate growth in areas such as economic development, education, arts, culture, tourism, and hospitality
- Similarities in geography, population, and demographics
- Aligned priorities between the current administration and that of the other city
Sister City Application Process Overview
- Prospective cities submit applications to the city either through mail or online-application.
- Application review by city staff to ensure application package is complete; city staff to coordinate with applicant until application is complete.
- Application reviewed by an internal working group comprised of a representative from the Mayor’s Office, Policy, DEIB, Economic Development, Arts, Culture, Tourism, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Operations for internal analysis.
- Application is referred to Mayor with recommendation of either approval or denial.
- If denied by Mayor, the application process and review ceases.
- If approved by Mayor, the internal working group engages applicant to determine sister city relationship style and draft agreement.
- Once an engagement plan and agreement has been drafted, it is then brought to Mayor for approval.
- Once Mayor approves, the administration and applicant present draft agreement and engagement plan to city council for review and ratification.