Brisbane has signed a Sister City deal with the next Olympic and Paralympic Games host city Los Angeles in a collaborative agreement to build closer ties.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed the arrangement, which marks the first Sister City deal for Brisbane in 16 years.
The new partnership is LA’s first and only Australian Sister City relationship.
Under the agreement Brisbane and Los Angeles will share information about policy operations and innovation.
They will also undertake joint research and projects to build organisational capacity, as well as facilitate business delegations and joint tourism promotions, and share cultural and educational programs.
There are nine key focus areas of the new Brisbane-LA agreement:
- Civic administration
- Urban planning and mobility
- International and multicultural engagement
- Economic development, trade and investment
- Digital and technology innovation
- Liveability and community development
- Cultural, educational, youth and sporting initiatives
- Major events and tourism promotion
- Resilience and Sustainability
The two cities will also liaise with other levels of government, business, and industry bodies to help deliver economic outcomes that benefit residents and businesses.
The Mayors also signed an official Memorandum of Understanding on Olympic Cooperation to work collaboratively on emerging challenges and maximise opportunities that come with hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.
The agreement will focus on similar areas to the new Sister City arrangement, ensuring the benefits of hosting the Games are felt across both cities’ communities and economies.
Brisbane currently has nine other Sister Cities, which are:
- Kobe (established 1985)
- Auckland (1988)
- Shenzhen (1992)
- Semarang (1993)
- Kaohsiung (1997)
- Daejeon (2002)
- Chongqing (2005)
- Abu Dhabi (2009)
- Hyderabad (2010)
Cr Schrinner said the opportunity to learn from another Olympic city like Los Angeles was critical.
“This is a big deal and Brisbane now has an incredible opportunity to work with a global economic powerhouse and build a better Brisbane for today, the Games and beyond,” Cr Schrinner said.
Cr Bass said the partnership with Brisbane would strengthen the city’s global relationships.
“Los Angeles is not just preparing to host the world in 2028 – we are leading on sustainability, housing, and economic development, setting a standard for how Host Cities can collaborate and innovate together,” Cr Bass said.
AmCham CEO April Palmerlee said the partnership between Brisbane and Los Angeles was a natural fit.
“These are two outward looking, globally connected cities that understand the Olympics are not just about a moment in time, but about long term economic and community impact,” Ms Palmerlee said.
“A Sister City relationship creates a practical platform for deeper business links, investment flows, talent exchange, and cultural connection.
“Done well, it brings real benefits to businesses on both sides and helps our communities grow closer in meaningful, lasting ways.”
