ICMA’s International Programming has created multiple enduring partnerships throughout the years. Through CityLinks and other programs, ICMA has left its mark in cities worldwide—and on the U.S. participants as well.

The city of Campbell, California, provided technical assistance and training and donated surplus fire equipment and garbage trucks to Rioverde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, continuing a partnership that began in 2001.

Oldsmar, Florida, and Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, began a CityLinks partnership in 2008; three years later the Oldsmar fire chief spearheaded the donation of protective gear for the under-equipped Dire Dawa Fire Brigade.

ICMA has learned of several other enduring partnerships as well, including:

The director of utilities and engineering in Catawba County, North Carolina, continued advising public works and planning departments in the city of Tirana, Albania, long after their 2002-2007 partnership.

A partnership between Golden, Colorado, and Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria, continued to promote a trade relationship for years after the CityLinks program was officially over.

For more information on ICMA’s programming overseas, please visit the ICMA International homepage, or contact Barbara Moore.