By Audrey Wardwell
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March 18, 2025
The City of Monterey is considering a move that may shift how it engages with its international sister cities—and how it pays for those engagements. At issue: whether to use public funds to pay for a trip to the Italian sister city, Isola delle Femmine, for the mayor and a council member. While the idea is rooted in cultural diplomacy and strengthening global ties, it raises questions about fiscal priorities, especially when compared to how other cities handle such travel. Monterey’s Proposal: Breaking with Tradition? Historically, Monterey’s elected officials have funded their own sister city travel or used money from civic groups like the Sister City Association. Now, with an estimated $9,500 travel bill on the table—exceeding their current travel budget by about $3,000—the City Council is considering tapping into public funds. This includes $1,800 for airfare, $284 per night for lodging (if not provided by the sister city), and $135 per day for meals and small expenses over a week. For some residents, this proposal raises questions: Is this the best use of taxpayer money? Are there better ways to engage internationally without burdening the city’s general fund? What Do Other Cities Do? 1. San Francisco, CA San Francisco boasts one of the largest and most active sister city programs in the U.S. City officials often travel abroad, but these trips are almost entirely funded through private donations, corporate sponsorships, or the Sister City Committees themselves. Public funds are rarely used unless there’s a formal economic development or trade mission involved. 2. Austin, TX Austin’s Sister Cities International program similarly encourages self-funding. Elected officials who wish to travel usually do so on their own dime or through associated foundations. The city does not allocate taxpayer funds specifically for these trips, citing transparency and budget discipline. 3. Portland, OR Portland allows limited use of city funds for sister city travel, but with strict guidelines. Officials must demonstrate a clear public benefit—often linked to economic development, climate partnerships, or education—and such trips must be pre-approved and budgeted far in advance. 4. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA(Neighboring Monterey) Carmel’s approach mirrors Monterey’s past : city officials often pay their own way or rely on the Sister City Committee for travel expenses. Public funding is not typically used, and the city prides itself on maintaining these cultural relationships without impacting the general fund. A Question of Priorities Monterey’s debate isn’t just about travel costs. It’s about how public resources are used and whether a cultural trip aligns with resident expectations for city spending. In times when local governments are being asked to do more with less—whether in housing, infrastructure, or public safety—the optics of publicly funded international travel can be tricky. Final Thoughts Sister city programs foster goodwill, cultural exchange, and potential economic connections. But Monterey’s possible shift toward using taxpayer dollars for such travel is a departure from its own history and from the practices of many peer cities. Residents and councilmembers alike will need to weigh the symbolic value of international diplomacy against tangible local needs.