DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Developing Latin American Relationships and Sisters Cities in Central and South America.
SUMMARY:
On January 28, 2021, a Council Consideration Request (CCR) was submitted by Councilmember Manny Pelaez, District 8, directing City staff to begin efforts to develop economic, government, and cultural relationships with Latin American cities in Central and South America, including developing more Sister City relationships with cities in the Latin American region.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
San Antonio is a Spanish speaking city and the City is home to people from Central and South America. According to Census data, over 40% of San Antonians speak Spanish at home and strong Portuguese language programs at multiple San Antonio universities indicates a local familiarity and ease of communication in Portuguese as well.
Joint Base San Antonio and local institutions of higher learning engage in important professional and student learning exchanges with Central and South America. The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University -San Antonio, University of Incarnate Word, Trinity University and Our Lady of the Lake University have established formal partnerships with Central and Latin American Universities. Additionally, Cadets from all over the region train in San Antonio as part of the efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces to expand Latin American military partnerships. Also, many Central and South American immigrants join the U.S. military and live in San Antonio for work and training.
Additionally, Latin American and Texas energy and automotive companies have invested dollars and employ thousands of people in Central and South America. Multinational businesses, including NuStar, Toyota, and Valero, have operations throughout Latin America.
Aside from enjoying mature and important relationships in Mexico, San Antonio has no sig...
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