HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 8379
City of Palo Alto (ID # 8379)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 8/21/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Sister City Relationship with Heidelberg, Germany
Title: Adoption of a Resolution to Establish a Sister City Relationship
between Heidelberg, Germany and Palo Alto, California, United States
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council adopt the attached resolution to establish a Sister City
relationship between Heidelberg, Germany and Palo Alto, California, United States.
Background
On August 12, 2013 City Council reviewed the City of Palo Alto / Neighbors Abroad Sister cities
program, discussed the international relations strategy, and explored future Smart City
partnerships. The City had been discussing the potential of a Sister City relationship with
Heidelberg during that time, which was an interest of the City of Heidelberg. Our local
Neighbors Abroad group could have been quite overtaxed at that time supporting a new Sister
City and Palo Alto was most interested in establishing new partnerships focused on innovation,
shared learning, and best practices with other cities in the world. Hence, the City Council
authorized a “Smart City Partnership Agreement” with the City of Heidelberg. On September
23, 2013 the City Council formally adopted the partnership agreement with Heidelberg titled
the “Smart Cities Alliance between the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and the City of Palo Alto,
California, USA.” The Mayor and City Manager visited Heidelberg in 2013 for the official signing
of the partnership. Since 2013 a handful of intergovernmental exchanges between Palo Alto
and Heidelberg have occurred, some with our Sister City/Smart City partner Enschede, The
Netherlands, and recently including Sister City Linkoping, Sweden. These have led staff to share
best practices and explore program collaboration. They have also
further developed professional, business and community relationships.
One of the driving factors for the City of Palo Alto support for a Sister City relationship is the
enhanced capacity of our Neighbor’s Abroad program. Thanks to many people for this, but
special thanks to Bob Wenzlau. On May 17, 2017 the Board of Neighbors Abroad voted
unanimously to request that the City Council establish a sister city relation with Heidelberg.
Neighbors Abroad was formed in the early 1960s by citizen leaders to create and manage the
City of Palo Alto Page 2
City’s emerging international relations strategy based on the principles of Sister Cities
International (SCI). SCI was created in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who
“envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds
between people from different cities around the world.” Over the years, the City’s partnership
with Neighbors Abroad has led to sister city relations with Palo, Philippines; Oaxaca, Mexico;
Enschede, Netherlands; Linkoping, Sweden; Albi, France; and Tsuchiura, Japan.
On June 1, 2017, the Heidelberg City Council approved the relevant agreements to establish a
sister city with Palo Alto.
Discussion
By approving the attached resolution City Council will expand the Palo Alto - Heidelberg
relationship beyond our Smart City Alliance and establish sister city relations. Neighbors Abroad
and the City envision a new future for the City’s international relations program, one which
could blend the traditions of sister city activities with new shared smart city objectives. The
vision originated from citizen feedback that volunteerism with our sister city program would be
more appealing if it focused not only on cultural, arts and youth exchanges but also include
shared common interests such as technology, sustainability and innovation. The City in
conjunction with Neighbor’s Abroad and others is investigating the opportunities for more
blended relationships with other cities also.
In September the Mayor and City Manager will visit Heidelberg to officially celebrate the new
affiliation. The trip will may include a visit to Enschede, The Netherlands, and Linkoping,
Sweden. Palo Alto currently has an economic development alliance and sister city relationship
with Enschede. Palo Alto and Linkoping also share a sister city relationship.
Attached are several briefing documents which provide information about Heidelberg, the
intended smart sister city programs and Neighbors Abroad’s formal letter to the City Council
requesting establishment of a sister city relation with Heidelberg.
Resource Impact
No additional funding is required. Funding for activities related to Neighbors Abroad and our
sister city relationships are budgeted within the City Council, City Manager’s Office and City
Clerk’s Office. Annual dues for Sister Cities International are approximately $800.
Attachments:
Attachment A - Draft Resolution for Palo Alto - Heidelberg Sister City
Attachment B - Neighbors Abroad Heidelberg Sister City Request
Attachment C - Introducing Heidelberg
Attachment D - Neighbors Abroad Summary of Programs
Attachment E - City of Heidelberg Proposal Report
Attachment F - City of Heidelberg Beschlussvorlage (Decision)
Attachment G - City of Heidelberg Beschlussvorlage (Decison) English Translation
Attachment H - City of Heidelberg Summary Report
City of Palo Alto Page 3
Attachment I - August 12, 2013 Palo Alto Staff Report
Attachment J - September 23, 2013 Palo Alto Staff Report
Not Yet Approved
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto establishing a Sister City relationship between
Heidelberg, Germany and Palo Alto, California, United States
Whereas, the sister city concept was inaugurated by the President of the United States in 1956
to establish greater friendship and understanding between the peoples of the United States and
other nations through the medium of direct personal contact; and
Whereas, the City of Palo Alto has assigned the responsibility for carrying out the Palo Alto Sister
City program to Neighbors Abroad; and
Whereas, Neighbors Abroad recommends that the City of Palo Alto establish a sister city
relationship between the cities of Palo Alto and Heidelberg; and
Whereas, the City of Palo Alto, through Neighbors Abroad, recognizes and endorses this
program with the hope that it will lead to a lasting friendship between the people of Palo Alto
and Heidelberg; and
Whereas, the cities of Palo Alto and Heidelberg share similar goals of international cooperation,
mutual prosperity, and world peace; and place similar values on cultural understanding, training,
youth leadership, exchanges to educate citizens, environmental stewardship, economic
development; and
Whereas, on September 23, 2013 the Palo Alto City Council established the “Smart Cities
Alliance between the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and the City of Palo Alto, California, USA.”
the cities established a Smart City Partnership since 2013 for collaboration on sustainability and
information technology within local government; and
Whereas, the purpose of this relationship is to increase cultural exchanges, educational
opportunities, sustainability and economic development for both cities, and to increase
awareness of both cities as being educational, sustainability and centers of innovation; and
Whereas, both cities are committed to mutual support for organizing and developing the
experiences, common activities, and future programs of the Sister City relationship on the basis
of previous agreements of mutual cooperation and directions set forth by this declaration.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES, as follows:
Section 1. The Council, on behalf of the people of Palo Alto, does hereby enter into a sister city
relationship with the government and the people of the City of Heidelberg, Germany, for the
purpose of creating greater mutual understanding between the peoples of our two cities and
nations.
Section 2. The Mayor hereby authorizes Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto to act as official
representatives of the City of Palo Alto to carry out this program.
Not Yet Approved
Section 3. Copies of this Resolution are to the sent to the Mayor and Council of the City of
Heidelberg, Germany, Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., and German Embassy, and
the United States Embassy in Germany.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
______________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
______________________________ __________________________
City Attorney City Manager
August 3, 2017
Honorable Greg Scharff
Mayor
City of Palo Alto, California
Re: Request to Form a Sister City Relationship Between Heidelberg Germany and Palo Alto.
The Board of Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto voted unanimously on May 17, 2017 to request from the
Palo Alto City Council the establishment of a sister city relation with Heidelberg Germany. The Board
sensed a strong and endearing basis for a perpetual relationship between our communities. We hold a
mutual and binding interests in arts, youth programs, sustainability and commerce.
This letter conveys background toward the formation of relationship. a sister city. The letter assimilates
the evaluation and interest toward this Sister City Agreement, and introduces our respective sister city
committees.
As background, Palo Alto and Heidelberg Germany have common traditions in culture, education and
sustainability. In 2013 a Smart City Partnership between Palo Alto and Heidelberg was created for the
purpose of collaboration between our respective local governments and business community. A Sister
City extends relationship to embrace community interactions in addition to these government
interactions and embraces cultural topics often with a focus on youth and adult exchanges in the arts
and education.
Neighbors Abroad has formed a strong local Heidelberg sister city committee. Ms. Jeannet Kiessling will
serve as the Vice President for the sister city relationship. The committee now is composed of Mr.
Markus Fromherz focused on sustainability, Mr. Michael Kelly focused on business relationships, and
Ms. Barbara Evans joined with Ms. Kiessling focused on youth and cultural exchange. All have strong
connections to Heidelberg, some were even born or worked many years in Heidelberg.
Heidelberg offers a separate sister city organization to maintain the sister city relationship. Since the
Board’s vote, Heidelberg has formed a reciprocal sister city committee to develop programs with Palo
Alto. We also understand that Heidelberg has completed a complimentary vote to form a sister city
relationship with the City of Palo Alto. On September 28, 2017 representatives of Palo Alto are invited
to Heidelberg to commemorate this mutual commitment as sister cities.
This letter conveys two attachments prepared by Neighbors Abroad providing background the Palo Alto
City Council and City Staff can rely upon to move toward a sister relationship.
1. Introducing Heidelberg. An overview document titled “Sister City Project Heidelberg – Palo
Alto” offers an introduction to Heidelberg and reveals background on the common areas with
sustainability, arts and business.
2. Report on the Sister City Project. From this document grew this document offering a more
tactical view toward building a sister city relationship.
We look forward celebrating the formation of our new sister city in Heidelberg in September
understanding that our Mayor and City Manager may attend such a celebration.
Sincerely,
Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto
Bob Wenzlau
President
cc. City Manager
Heidelberg Sister City Committee
1
Introducing Heidelberg, Germany
May 2017
Heidelberg is located in the Neckar-Valley on the brink of the Odenwald (Odin’s Forest). The
Neckar River flows through the city and into the Rhine River 10 miles downstream.
Heidelberg is situated in southwestern Germany in the State of Baden-Württemberg,
approximately 60 miles south of Frankfurt (nearest international airport). It has 150.000
inhabitants, 40.000 are students. Heidelberg is young (40% younger than 30), diverse
(17.000 inhabitants have a different cultural background) and educated (35 percent have a
university degree).
Its history goes back to the Celts and the Romans, but the area was settled long before, as
the famous 600.000 year old Homo Heidelbergensis documents. The Celts moved in 500
B.C., were succeeded by the Romans in the first century A.D. and later by the Empire of the
Franks who brought Christianity to the area (several monasteries from that time are still
standing, with the World-Heritage-listed nearby “Kloster Lorsch” being the most famous).
The actual city was founded around 1200 A.D., the world-famous castle – Germany’s number
one tourist site – was started around the same time. The university was founded in 1386,
making it the oldest university in Germany. It is also the university with the highest number
of Nobel Prize Winners in Germany (56).
2
Due to its location close to France, Heidelberg was often the focal point of the German-
French hereditary enmity which lasted until the 20th century and culminated in several
devastating wars, including WWI and WWII. Sister City projects with France had an
important role in overcoming the animosities between the two countries and turning former
foes into friends. Heidelberg is one of the few cities in Germany that was hardly destroyed in
WWII. American occupation forces had one of their largest headquarters in Heidelberg, with
approximately 20.000 military personnel and their families stationed there at peak times.
After unification in 1990, Heidelberg became the seat of NATO’s LANDCENT until all
remaining US soldiers were relocated to Wiesbaden in 2013 and the military bases were
closed.
AREAS OF CCOPERATION
Palo Alto and Heidelberg have several things in common, just to name a few:
• Medium-sized city with international recognition
• Affluent diverse community
• Universities with excellent world-wide reputation
• Focus on Technology and Research
These common aspects are the bases for a productive relationship in a number of fields:
Smart City (Livability, Workability, Sustainability)
Heidelberg has a long tradition in implementing environmental rules and climate control
measures. In 1992, Heidelberg was the first German city to introduce a climate protection
concept. The city is home to the worldwide biggest passive house development in its newest
neighborhood district Bahnstadt.
3
Heidelberg won the Passive House Award 2014 and the European Sustainable City Award
(twice). The city is participating in the Masterplan 100% climate protection concept of the
federal government. In 2015, Heidelberg won the Global Green City Award of the United
Nations, honoring cities which are leading in sustainability. Heidelberg has a high standard in
trash separation, while charging low fees for its waste management. The city invites its
inhabitants each spring to help clean the city on Spring Cleaning Week. A lot of schools,
clubs and private citizens participate.
Business
Heidelberg is part of the Rhein-Neckar-Metropolregion which includes the nearby cities of
Mannheim and Ludwigshafen. The Metropolregion is one of the most dynamic business
regions in Germany. 10 of the 100 most successful German public companies are
headquartered there, i.e. SAP, BASF, Roche, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen,
HeidelbergerCement, KSB, Fuchs Petrolub. Germany’s economic strength lies in the
Mittelstand (small to medium-sized companies), and the Metropolregion is strong in that
sector too, with companies in the automobile and mechanical engineering sectors, to name
a few.
4
Business relations might be the most difficult to include into a sister city concept. This area
should be primarily channeled through business associations like the German Accelerator
and the Chamber of Commerce in Palo Alto or the Robert-Bosch-Stiftung, the Klaus-
Tschirra-Stiftung and Dietmar-Hopp-Stiftung in Heidelberg. Such organizations can help
identify relevant subjects of interest to businesses on both sides as well as organizing
potential events. SAP, who has both a strong presence near Heidelberg and Silicon Valley,
could be approached.
Youth
Youth projects and exchange is traditionally the core of any sister city project. The idea is to
provide young people with the opportunity to learn more about other cultures, languages
and habits. The Deutsch-Amerikanisches-Institut (German-American-Institute, DAI,
http://dai-heidelberg.de/en/) could help organize youth projects since they have the
resources and the experience for it. Furthermore, Heidelberg has a number of outstanding
high schools (high school encompasses Middle School in Germany) which could be
approached. High schools in Europe usually have several partner schools abroad with which
they organize student exchanges. Our natural partner for youth exchange is the
Stadtjugendring e.V. http://www.sjr-heidelberg.de/angebote/jugendaustausch3, a city-
funded program organizing youth exchange with partner cities.
Heidelberg conducts an International Summer Science School (ISH), a yearly exchange
program to enhance exchange between youths interested in science. It is specifically
designed for sister city projects http://www.ish-heidelberg.de/. ISH already cooperates with
the John Ernest Foundation in Palo Alto.
5
Culture
From the newly-constructed Theater to the resident Symphonic Orchestra, the many
privately-organized clubs and cultural institutions, Heidelberg has a rich cultural scene. In
2014 Heidelberg became and remained UNESCO City of Literature within UNESCO’s Creative
Cities Network. With its existing sister cities, diverse projects like Culture Weeks with
Kumamoto, Japan (Heidelberg-Week in Kumamoto, Kumamoto-Week in Heidelberg), a
mutual representative office (with Montpellier, France) and art exhibitions (Simferopol,
Ukraine, since annexation Russia) have developed over time. Cultural exchanges are mainly
at the initiative of active citizen groups and could take on a range of topics.
The biggest festivity in Heidelberg is the Heidelberger Herbst – a fall, city-wide fest attracting
over a hundred thousand visitors each year.
It is organized by Heidelberg Event http://www.heidelberg-event.com/events/heidelberger-
herbst/?lang=en, who also organizes the three Castle Illuminations and Firework events
taking place each summer, as well as the yearly Christmas Market.
In the spring Heidelberg organizes the renowned music festival Heidelberger Frühling
(Heidelberg Spring) with concerts ranging from classical to contemporary. In the fall, the
greater Heidelberg region (Rhein-Neckar-Region) hosts the Enjoy Jazz-Festival with many
American performers.
6
Heidelberg is not only home to former tennis stars Boris Becker and Steffi Graf, it also hosts
on of the German Olympic preparation centers. In the past, Olympic teams from partner
cities have used these facilities and German teams have trained abroad. The organization of
the program is conducted by Sportkreis Heidelberg http://www.sportkreis-heidelberg.de/
Heidelberg hosts a number of Marathons. The most popular is the marathon sponsored by
SAS, a Heidelberg based software firm https://www.runme.de/deutschland/sas-
halbmarathon-heidelberg/, with several thousand participants.
Heidelberg University and Stanford University have a lot in common. Both have an excellent
international reputation and a high academic standard. They share a similar motto
(Stanford’s motto is even in German: “Die Luft der Freiheit weht”, Heidelberg University:
“Semper apertus”). However, like most universities in Germany, Heidelberg University is a
public institution. Tuition is free and partner projects are generally welcome. Heidelberg
University has a number of partner universities beyond those in sister cities
https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/international/profil/partneruniversitaeten.html.
Heidelberg is also home to the European Laboratory for Molecular Biology (Europäisches
Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie, EMBL), the German Cancer Reasearch Institute
(Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and four Max-Planck-Institutes.
For an overview of Heidelberg, see http://www.heidelberg.de/hd,Len/300652.html
Prospective Program Activities
for Heidelberg Sister City Program
May 2017
Scope of Report
The goal of establishing sister cities is to engage in a productive, mutually beneficial
exchange of ideas, programs and people. This report summarizes the evaluation of potential
projects that Heidelberg and Palo Alto could engage in as a part of their sister city
relationship. It has been assessed by the Neighbors Abroad Heidelberg Committee, headed
by Bob Wenzlau (President of Neighbors Abroad, NA) and Jeannet Kiessling (Heidelberg
Committee, NA) and will be shared with their counterparts from Heidelberg.
The report identifies four major areas of cooperation (names of responsible NA members in
brackets):
1. Smart City (Markus Fromherz)
2. Business (Michael Kelly)
3. Youth Exchange (Barbara Evans, Jeannet Kiessling)
4. Culture (Jeannet Kiessling)
Each area of cooperation is structured around the following goals: to exchange ideas and
learn from each other (Learn), to connect people from both cities (Connect), and to
implement selected projects (Implement).
The report mainly focuses on ideas/goals that were researched by the Palo Alto Neighbors
Abroad Heidelberg Team. They are shared with our counterparts in Germany and their
feedback will be implemented. After the Sister City contract has been signed, we will
commence working on the projects.
1. Smart City
The Smart City concept focuses on the use of Information and Communication
Technology to improve the livability, workability, and sustainability for current residents
and future generations (e.g., in areas such as IT and IoT [Internet of Things]
infrastructure, transportation, water supply networks, and waste management). Both
Palo Alto and Heidelberg have pushed the boundaries of the Smart City movement. Palo
Alto is a member of the Smart City Council, has an aggressive long-range sustainability
and climate action plan, and has pursued dozens of Smart City projects over the recent
years. As leaders in this field, close cooperation provides a platform from which the cities
can learn from one other and thereby help improve the implementation of such
initiatives in both cities. Palo Alto and Heidelberg signed a Smart City alliance contract in
2013. While this remains in place, the Sister City concept will expand on the Smart City
efforts.
Learn
Heidelberg Palo Alto
• City of Short Distances. This concept has already been enacted in Heidelberg and
focuses on increasing the number of walking and cycling paths, thereby reducing
the need for motor traffic.
• Environmental Budget. This concept has also already been implemented in
Heidelberg and is similar to a financial budget. It determines the environmental
impact of the city’s emissions and is subject to annual approval.
• Environmental Awareness. This includes a broad range of information and
communication opportunities with the goal of motivating people to undertake
more environmentally conscious activities.
• Environmentally Compatible Transport. This includes initiatives that connect
districts by trams/bus, making sure new developments have public transportation
options, as well as replacing short local trips with walking, biking, or public
transportation.
Palo Alto Heidelberg
• Apps for Smart City Applications. The focus of this exchange is to encourage the
use of apps that add value to city life and to discuss the development of potential
new apps that would add additional value. For Example: PaloAlto311 Mobile App,
Open Geospatial Information System Implementation for community use,
CityCamp Palo Alto (outdoor civic innovation event), Mobile App Challenge.
• Smart Use of GIS Data. Palo Alto has implemented a Global Information System
that provides residents and businesses with a wide range of information,
including locations, road centerlines, land use, (city-owned) trees, public projects,
trench plates, trails, pavement sections, zone districts, building roof outlines, park
locations, road edges, rooftop solar technical potential, automated external
defibrillator locations, and City of Palo Alto boundary.
• Sustainability Projects. PaloAltoGreen (electricity, gas), sustainability information
and rebates (SMART energy, new constructions, water efficiency, solar systems,
electric vehicles), 10-year plans (electric, gas), Zero Waste, Zero Net Energy,
Transportation (commuting has bicycle focus, Palo Alto Shuttle with real-time
location information).
• IT Projects on Modern IT Infrastructure. Over the recent years, the city of Palo
Alto has implemented several IT modernization projects, such as cloud-based
Communication and Productivity Suite Implementation, Interactive Voice
Response System, network upgrades, online Parking Permit System, e911, and
many more.
Connect
• Summer Exchange Program for high schoolers/university students. Both cities
are willing to host students to work on Smart City concepts.
• Monthly Exchange between the respective Smart City collaborators (already in
place, including other cities such as Enschede and Linköping).
Implement
• Evaluate and assess Apps for Mobility (like rideshare or trip planning).
• Facilitate Bartering Services, e.g., driving each other to a grocery store or to the
airport.
• Establish relationship between Stanford/University of Heidelberg to engage in
Smart City topics.
• Link with Smart City Council (international organization).
• Establish Budget for Smart City projects.
• Promote (NA) the smart city projects in both cities.
• Join Forces on supporting a less affluent city (e.g. Oaxaca).
2. Business
The goal is to establish a platform for the exchange of ideas, and to promote mutually
productive business opportunities for companies in both the Palo Alto/Silicon Valley, and
the Heidelberg/Rhein-Neckar areas. Of particular interest would be to establish an entity
in Heidelberg to assist Palo Alto/Silicon Valley technology companies navigate the local
business environments and accelerate their development in the German/EU market. This
entity would also promote and develop Heidelberg/Rhein-Neckar technology companies'
relationships in the Palo Alto/Silicon Valley area.
Learn
• From Start-up to Successful Company: conditions and tools for an
entrepreneurial environment.
• Doing Business in the U.S. / doing business in Germany (Europe). Rules and
regulations in both markets.
Connect
• German Accelerator, Palo Alto
• Chamber of Commerce, Palo Alto
• GABA – California German-American Business Association, Mountain View
• German-American Chambers of Commerce, San Francisco
• Internationale Handelskammer, Heidelberg
• AmChamGermany, Frankfurt
• Technologiepark Heidelberg GmbH
Implement
• Establish Sister Cities Accelerator (SCS) an incubator/accelerator in a co-working
space in Heidelberg where companies will be provided with the expertise and
business infrastructure necessary to accelerate their access to the German/EU
market.
SCS is a project by the cities of Heidelberg and Palo Alto to support
internationally competitive small to medium sized Silicon Valley technology
companies to scale in Germany and the EU. This will establish Heidelberg as a
major center for technology entrepreneurship in Germany, and as the gateway to
Germany and the EU for Silicon Valley technology companies.
SCS will create an entrepreneurial ecosystem through a public-private
partnership bridging the Heidelberg/Rhein-Neckar and Palo Alto/Silicon Valley
regions to support German and Silicon Valley technology companies to scale in
the EU. It will position Palo Alto as the initial information gateway to the EU for
SV small to medium sized companies lacking the knowledge, facilities or
perspective to consider entering this market. Furthermore, it will position Palo
Alto as the location for local SV companies to acquire access to German
technology for further commercialization. For more information please
see (LINK).
Before the project is started: Test the hypothesis with stakeholders in Heidelberg
and Palo Alto.
Palo Alto area:
German-American Business Association, German-American Chambers of
Commerce, VCs, accelerators, banks, universities, and others working with local
small to medium- sized companies.
Heidelberg/Rhein-Neckar area:
Organizations: Internationale Handelskammer, AmChamGerman, Heidelberg City
administration and Technologie Park, area universities, banks, lawyers,
accountants
Sponsors: local companies, investment groups, federal and local government
support organizations
• Digital Business Network. Establish and formalize a link between Heidelberg and
Palo Alto business communities.
•
• SAP-AppHouse Connection. Engage SAP to establish a Palo Alto – Heidelberg
App-Connection through their AppHouses in both places. This digital connection
could help young IT-entrepreneurs to develop their ideas.
3. Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange is at the heart of every Sister City Project. The idea is to give future
generations a better understanding of different countries and cultures as well as to raise
their cross-cultural competence level. Given the distance between Heidelberg and Palo Alto,
the focus here is also on virtual exchange in order to establish contact between youths in
both cities.
Learn
• Compare notes on the organizational structures to enhance youth exchange in
both cities.
• Explore Language Training programs in the respective cities.
• Explore Digital Training programs in the respective cities.
Connect
• Stadtjugendring
• Representatives of School Systems
• Representatives of Digital Training Programs
Implement
• Develop the first Youth Exchange Program for 2018 (start with small number of
children).
• Heidelberg Musicians Meeting. The City of Heidelberg will host a get-together of
musicians from various sister cities in 2018 and will extend an invitation to
musicians from Palo Alto.
• Install a “Wormwhole”. This 24/7 digital connection will be installed at an easily
accessible location in each city and enable random connections between youths
in both cities (need sponsors for this).
• Digital Youth Book Club. Selection of book lists with opportunities to exchange
comments and thoughts (engage German-American Institute DAI in Heidelberg).
• Establish Sister School. This program could either be limited to one school in
either city or encompass both school districts.
• Internship Program. Engage companies to offer internships to students from
Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
• Connecting the Stanford German Department with the Germanistik Fakultät at
the University of Heidelberg.
• Connecting the Anglistik Fakultät of the University of Heidelberg with the
English Department at Stanford.
4. Culture
This topic encompasses a variety of activities ranging from music, theater and other
entertaining programs to festivities and events throughout the respective cities’ cultural
calendars. Such connections between the Sister Cities help foster mutual interest and
understanding of the respective values and customs.
Learn
• Exchange ideas on City Marketing.
• Explore Art and Music Scene
Connect
• City Representatives engage in cultural events (i.e. Heidelberg Marketing)
• Representatives of Cultural and Special Interest Clubs interested in cultural
exchange (i.e. Lions and Rotary Clubs, Sports Clubs, Orchestras)
Implement
• Establish a Cultural Calendar of the Sister City with festivities and events.
• Regular Reporting about Sister City events in local media.
• Create a Travel Kit for tourists to who want to visit the Sister City (suggestions
for accommodations, transportation, sights, etc.).
• Create a List of Clubs wishing to engage in exchange.
• Exhibition to introduce the Sister City in Libraries, DAI, other institution.
• Heidelberg Stand (operated by NA) at the German Christmas market in
Mountain View.
• Palo Alto Stand at “Heidelberger Herbst” (biggest annual Street festivity in
Heidelberg).
• Sister City Beer. Gordon Biersch (of Gordon Biersch Brewery in Palo Alto)
suggested to brew a Heidelberg beer and talk to representatives from
Heidelberger Brauerei to brew a Palo Alto beer.
• Enjoy Jazz. Palo Alto Jazz musicians could participate in this annual Heidelberg
event.
• Reading by Silicon Valley writer Tad Williams at Schmitt&Hahn in Heidelberg.
Fall 2017. First Sister City Event.
About Neighbors Abroad
Neighbors Abroad represents the City of Palo Alto in its relations with its sister cities around the
world and coordinates the activities of six sister-city committees within this volunteer
organization. Neighbors Abroad represents a community of people with a deep interest in the world
at large and a committed belief that peace can be grown one friend at a time.
Contact Information Neighbors Abroad
Bob Wenzlau President, Neighbors Abroad, bob@wenzlau.net
Jeannet Kiessling Heidelberg Committee, Culture and Youth Exchange Subcommittees,
jeannet.kiessling@hotmail.de
Markus Fromherz Smart City Subcommittee, markus@fromherz.us
Michael Kelly Business Subcommittee, mwkelly2000@gmail.com
Barbara Evans Youth Exchange Subcommittee, evansbanjo@sbcglobal.net
Contacts in Heidelberg
Nicole Huber Head of Office, Mayor of Heidelberg, Dr. Eckart Würzner
Nicole.huber@heidelberg.de
Ina Nolte International Relations, Mayor’s Office,
ina.nolte@heidelberg.de
Steffen Wörner Managing Director, Stadtjugendring e.V. (Youth Exchange Org.),
woerner@sjr-heidelberg.de
City
Heidelberg
Document:
0201/2017/BV
Date:
01.06.2017
Lead management: Department I, Office 01
Subject:
Finalization of city partnership agreement with Palo
Alto
Proposal
Advisory results:
Committee: Meeting Date: Procedure:
Central and Finance Committee 20.6.2017 Ö
Municipal Council 29.06.2017 Ö
- 2.1 -
Administration Proposal:
The central and finance committee recommends the following to the municipal council:
The municipal council agrees to the official formation of a city partnership between
Heidelberg and Palo Alto in the United States of America, and commisions the
administration to sign the relevant contracts.
Summary of rationale:
The expansion and strengthening of international relationships, through signing of a city
partnership agreement with Palo Alto, is a significantly strategic step for Heidelberg. A
partnership with such a recognizable and economically strong city, particularly in the
fields of economy and science, creates considerable added value for Heidelberg.
- 3.1 -
Rationale:
City partnership with Palo Alto (USA):
Palo Alto (approximately 67,000 inhabitants) is considered to be the capital of Silicon Valley. In
2013, Heidelberg and Palo Alto signed the “Smart City Alliance“ agreement, to formally reinforce
a strategic partnership between both cities.
Central themes of the agreement are: culture, science, sustainability and innovation, with special
attention given to “Smart City“ as core focus. Contact with Palo Alto since signing of the
agreement has increased notably. Constructive discourse between representatives of both cities
occur regularly to implement collaborative projects and ideas.
Among other ideas, particular emphasis is placed on exchange within the areas of youth and
sports. The representatives of the organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) remain in frequent
contact with Mr. Steffen Wörner, director of the Stadtjugendring e.V. in Heidelberg, to initiate
exchange projects. Since 2013, young students from Palo Alto have regularly participated in the
International Summer Science School in Heidelberg, thereby enrich the program not only with
regards to cultural diversity, but also with their scientific knowledge.
Situated in the heart of the Sillcion Valley, Palo Alto is especially unique, with a density of
enterprises in research-intensive industries, as well as IT-based firms. The wealth of knowledge
in various fields that exists in Palo Alto, as well as the presence of local internationally renowned
Stanford University, offers enormous potential through the partnership. In particular, the
interrelationship between local higher education institutions in Heidelberg and Stanford University
enables increased exchange of knowledge, and therefore the ability to capitalize on and benefit
from mutual outcomes.
The organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) has already unanimously agreed to the planned
partnership with Heidelberg.The relevant proposal documents will be submitted to the municipal
council at the end of June for final approval. Authorities of both cities are in agreement that the
existing strategic partnership should now be taken to the next level. Having a genuine city
partnership emerge from the Smart City Alliance is a mutual goal. Official representatives from
Palo Alto are visiting Heidelberg from September 23 to 30, 2017.
Conclusion:
The creation of a partnership with such a reputable city gives Heidelberg the opportunity to make
strategic advancements in international relations.
Heidelberg could greatly profit from collaborations with Palo Alto, as well as from increased
intercultural exchange, while fostering mutual understanding.
As a result of globalisation, there is great demand for partnerships in distant countries, especially
among youth and young professionals. These opportunities offer unique possibilities for
exchange.
Palo Alto has assisted Heidelberg by making significant contributions to the Bitkom application.
The successful and well-orchestrated meetings in Palo Alto with key players in the fields of
politics, economy, culture and tourism have demonstrated great interest in a city partnership with
Heidelberg.
- 3.2 -
Evaluation of sustainabilty mesasures relating to city development planning goals /
Heidelberg local agenda goals.
1. City development planning target goals
Numbers(s):
+ / -
achieved:
Goal(s):
+
Goal(s):
AB03 + Location advantages in expansion as a science city
+
Rationale:
Exchange with American universities and research insitutions offers
Heidelberg the opportunity to accumulate skills and expertise, and benefit
from mutual collaboration.
AB07
+
Establish innovative enterprises
+
Rationale:
The opportunity exists, not only to establish American companies in
Heidelberg, but also, with the assistance of local partners, actively support
local companies in expansion plans abroad.
KU02 + Promote cultural diversity
+
Rationale:
Heidelberg is able to foster intercultural appreciation, through cultural
exchange with Palo Alto.
QU07 + Cultivate university partnerships
+
Rationale:
Palo Alto boasts a notable academic landscape (Stanford). Collaborations
can be actively utilized.
Soz. 6 + Great consideration given to interests of children and youth.
Rationale:
+
Youth exchange programs between the cities make youth associations
central institutions for recreational facilities for children and young people.
2. Critical assessment / Comments on goal conflicts:
None
- 3.3 -
INTERNAL REMARKS AND CO-SIGNING
Evaluation of concerns of individuals with disabilities
1. Does the proposal deal with concerns of individuals with disabilities?
☐ Yes
(Please continue to question 2)
☒ No
(Evaluation ends here)
2. Was the advisory council for individuals with disabilities (bmb) involved in drafting the proposal?
☐ Yes
(Participation is recorded in template proposal
with a maximum of two sentences; Evaluation
ends here)
Release for
Publication:
GI
(Committee
Information system)
MI
(Employeer-
information system)
BI
(Resident-
information system =
Internet)
Authorisation for internet publication by third parties available!
Bureau delivers system:
Proposal / Equipment produced
Column: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NO NO NO YES YES YES
Proposal
: ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
01.3
Nolte
ges.: OB ges.: 01 Date
Signature.
Drucksache:
0201/2017 /BV ...
00274080.doc
Stadt
Heidelberg
Drucksache:
0201/2017/BV
Datum: 02.06.2017
Federführung:
Dezernat I, Referat des Oberbürgermeisters
Beteiligung:
Betreff:
Abschluss von Städtepartnerschaften mit den
Städten Palo Alto/Hangzhou
Beschlussvorlage
Beratungsfolge:
Gremium: Sitzungstermin: Behandlung: Zustimmung zur
Beschlussempfehlung: Handzeichen:
Haupt- und
Finanzausschuss
20.06.2017 Ö ( ) ja ( ) nein ( ) ohne
Gemeinderat 29.06.2017 Ö ( ) ja ( ) nein ( ) ohne
Drucksache:
0201/2017 /BV ...
00274080.doc
- 2.1 -
Beschlussvorschlag der Verwaltung:
Der Haupt- und Finanzausschuss empfiehlt dem Gemeinderat folgenden Beschluss:
Der Gemeinderat stimmt dem Abschluss der Städtepartnerschaften der Stadt Heidelberg
mit den Städten Hangzhou in China und Palo Alto in den Vereinigten Staaten von
Amerika zu und beauftragt die Verwaltung die entsprechenden Verträge zu
unterzeichnen.
Finanzielle Auswirkungen:
Bezeichnung: Betrag:
Ausgaben / Gesamtkosten:
-
Einnahmen:
-
Finanzierung:
Ansatz in 2017:
Projektmittel Palo Alto
Projektmittel China
10.000 €
30.000 €
Ansatz in 2018:
Projektmittel Palo Alto
Projektmittel China
10.000 €
30.000 €
Zusammenfassung der Begründung:
Der Ausbau sowie die Intensivierung der internationalen Beziehungen durch die
Unterzeichnung von Städtepartnerschaftsabkommen mit den Städten Hangzhou und
Palo Alto ist ein wichtiger strategischer Schritt für Heidelberg. Eine Städtepartnerschaft
mit diesen beiden namhaften und wirtschaftlich starken Partnern, besonders in den
Bereichen Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft, schafft einen bedeutenden Mehrwert für
Heidelberg. Als „internationale Drehscheibe“ - im Westen Palo Alto (Sillicon Valley) und
im Osten Hangzhou - würde Heidelberg somit eine bedeutende Mittlerrolle einnehmen.
- 3.1 -
Drucksache: 0201/2017 /BV ...
00274080.doc
Begründung:
Städtepartnerschaft Hangzhou (China)
Bei intensiven Gesprächen in China im Jahr 2016 haben sich Herr Oberbürgermeister Prof. Dr.
Würzner und die Vertreter der Stadt Hangzhou bereits über die Ansiedlung von Unternehmen sowie
Möglichkeiten für internationale Kooperationen ausgetauscht.
Im Ergebnis unterzeichneten die Vertreter beider Städte während eines Gegenbesuchs in
Heidelberg im September 2016 eine Kooperationsvereinbarung in den Bereichen Wirtschaft und
Wissenschaft sowie Kultur und Tourismus. In dieser Vereinbarung formulierte man bereits das Ziel
einer „städtepartnerschaftlichen Beziehung“.
Im Zuge einer Delegationsreise mit Vertretern des Gemeinderates haben sich die Stadtspitzen
beider Städte erneut über die Intensivierung der Zusammenarbeit ausgetauscht. Seitens der Stadt
Hangzhou, die das interne Genehmigungsverfahren bereits in die Wege geleitet hat, besteht starkes
Interesse an einer Städtepartnerschaft mit der Stadt Heidelberg.
Die Stadt Hangzhou befindet sich im Norden der Provinz Zhejing, eine der kleinsten, aber und
zugleich reichsten Provinzen Chinas. Hangzhou, überzeugt mit seinen rund 9 Millionen Einwohnern
nicht nur durch seine wirtschaftliche Stärke - zahlreiche namhafte Unternehmen (zum Beispiel
Alibaba), Wissenschaftseinrichtungen/Technologieparks sowie Bildungseinrichtungen und
Universitäten haben ihren Sitz in Hangzhou - sondern auch durch seine kulturelle Vielfalt, die
jährlich mehrere Millionen Touristen anzieht. Besonders in den High-Tech Bereichen Biomedizin,
Informatik und digitale neue Medien verfügt die Stadt Hangzhou über eine enorme Wirtschaftskraft.
Die Entwicklungen der ehemaligen Konversionsflächen „Patton Barracks“ und dem dort geplanten
Heidelberg InnovationPark bergen starke Potentiale für die Stadt Heidelberg, um
forschungsintensive und innovationsstarke Unternehmen anzusiedeln. Dies ist nicht nur aus
wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten als große Chance zu betrachten, sondern auch im Hinblick auf die
Intensivierung des aktiven Austauschs von Know-how sowie dem Ausbau des interkulturellen
Verständnisses zwischen den Städten Hangzhou und Heidelberg.
Städtepartnerschaft Palo Alto (USA):
Palo Alto (rund 67.000 Einwohner) gilt als die Hauptstadt des Silicon Valley. Bereits im Jahr 2013
haben die Städte Heidelberg und Palo Alto die Vereinbarung „Smart City Alliance“ unterzeichnet, um
die strategische Partnerschaft der beiden Städte formal zu untermauern.
Die Schwerpunktthemen dieser Vereinbarung sind die Bereiche Kultur, Wirtschaft, Nachhaltigkeit
und Innovation mit dem Augenmerk auf das Oberthema „Smart City“. Seit der Unterzeichnung hat
sich der Kontakt zu der Stadt Palo Alto sukzessive intensiviert. Bisweilen finden in sehr
regelmäßigen Abständen konstruktive Gespräche zwischen Vertretern beider Städte statt, um
gemeinsame Projekte und Ideen umzusetzen.
Darüber hinaus liegt ein besonderes Augenmerk auf dem Austausch im Bereich Jugend und Sport.
So stehen die Vertreter der Organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) mit Herrn Steffen Wörner,
Geschäftsführer des Stadtjugendrings, in regem Kontakt, um Austauschprojekte ins Leben zu rufen.
Bereits seit 2013 nehmen regelmäßig junge Schülerinnen und Schüler aus Palo Alto an der
International Summer Science School Heidelberg teil und bereichern nicht nur im Hinblick auf die
kulturelle Vielfalt, sondern auch mit ihren wissenschaftlichen Kenntnissen das Sommerprogramm.
- 3.2 -
Drucksache: 0201/2017 /BV ...
00274080.doc
Im Herzen des Sillcion Valley’s gelegen, überzeugt die Stadt Palo Alto besonders mit ihrer
Unternehmensdichte im Bereich der forschungsintensiven Industrie sowie IT-basierten
Unternehmen. Durch das vorhandene Know-how in diesen Bereichen sowie der vor Ort
angesiedelten, international bekannten Stanford Universität birgt eine Partnerschaft mit der Stadt
Palo Alto enorme Potentiale. Besonders die Verzahnung der hiesigen Hochschulen mit der Stanford
Universität birgt Chancen um den Wissensaustausch zu intensivieren und daraus resultierende
Synergieeffekte zu nutzen.
Die Organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) hat die geplante Städtepartnerschaft mit Heidelberg
bereits einstimmig beschlossen. Die entsprechende Vorlage wird dem dortigen Gemeinderat
ebenfalls Ende Juni zur finalen Entscheidung vorgelegt. Die Stadtspitzen beider Städte sind sich
einig, dass die bereits bestehende strategische Partnerschaft nun auf die nächste Ebene gehoben
werden soll. So ist das gemeinsame Ziel, eine echte Städtepartnerschaft aus der Smart City Alliance
entstehen zu lassen. Die offiziellen Vertreter der Stadt Palo Alto werden Heidelberg im Zeitraum
vom 23.- 30. September 2017 besuchen.
Fazit:
Der Abschluss der Städtepartnerschaften mit diesen beiden namhaften Partnern - aus China im
Osten und den USA im Westen- geben Heidelberg die Möglichkeit im Bereich der internationalen
Beziehungen einen wichtigen strategischen Schritt zu gehen.
Heidelberg könnte so die Rolle einer „internationalen Drehscheibe“ zwischen Ost und West
einnehmen, durch den Schulterschluss mit diesen beiden Partnern stark profitieren und überdies
den interkulturellen Austausch intensivieren und so das gegenseitige Verständnis fördern.
Darüber hinaus sind Partnerstädte in entfernten Länder aufgrund der Globalisierung gerade bei
Jugendlichen und Nachwuchskräften sehr gefragt und bieten eine einmalige Möglichkeit des
Austausches.
Beide Städte haben die Stadt Heidelberg bei der Bitkom-Bewerbung aktiv durch Beiträge
unterstützt.
Die beeindruckenden, gut vorbereiteten Begegnungen mit den Hauptverantwortlichen aus Politik,
Wirtschaft, Kultur und Tourismus sowohl in Palo Alto als auch in Hangzhou ließen starkes Interesse
an einer Städtepartnerschaft mit Heidelberg erkennen.
- 3.3 -
Drucksache: 0201/2017 /BV ...
00274080.doc
Prüfung der Nachhaltigkeit der Maßnahme in Bezug auf die Ziele des
Stadtentwicklungsplanes / der Lokalen Agenda Heidelberg
1. Betroffene Ziele des Stadtentwicklungsplanes
Nummer/n:
(Codierung)
+ / -
berührt:
Ziel/e:
AB 3 + Standortvorteile als Wissenschaftsstadt ausbauen
Begründung:
Der Austausch sowohl mit chinesischen als auch amerikanischen
Universitäten und Forschungseinrichtungen gibt Heidelberg die Möglichkeit
Know-how zu sammeln und entsprechende Synergien zu nutzen.
Ziel/e:
AB 7 + Innovative Unternehmen ansiedeln
Begründung:
Es besteht die Chance nicht nur in Heidelberg amerikanische oder
chinesische Unternehmen anzusiedeln, sondern ebenfalls hiesige
Unternehmen bei Expansionsplänen im Ausland aktiv durch unsere Partner
vor Ort zu unterstützen.
Ziel/e:
KU 2 + Kulturelle Vielfalt unterstützen
Begründung:
Durch den kulturellen Austausch mit den Städten Palo Alto und Hangzhou
kann Heidelberg besonders das interkulturelle Verständnis ausbauen.
Ziel/e:
QU 7 + Partnerschaft mit der Universität ausbauen
Begründung:
Sowohl die Stadt Hangzhou als auch die Stadt Palo Alto verfügen über
namhafte Universitäten und eine ausgeprägte Hochschullandschaft.
Synergien können aktiv genutzt werden.
Ziel/e:
SOZ 6 + Interessen von Kindern und Jugendlichen stärker berücksichtigen
Begründung:
Mit den Jugendaustauschprogrammen mit den Partnerstädten ist der
Stadtjugendring eine zentrale Institution für Freizeitangebote für Kinder und
Jugendliche.
2. Kritische Abwägung / Erläuterungen zu Zielkonflikten:
keine
gezeichnet
Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner
City
Heidelberg
Document:
0201/2017/BV
Date:
01.06.2017
Lead management: Department I, Office 01
Subject:
Finalization of city partnership agreement with Palo
Alto
Proposal
Advisory results:
Committee: Meeting Date: Procedure:
Central and Finance Committee 20.6.2017 Ö
Municipal Council 29.06.2017 Ö
- 2.1 -
Administration Proposal:
The central and finance committee recommends the following to the municipal council:
The municipal council agrees to the official formation of a city partnership between
Heidelberg and Palo Alto in the United States of America, and commisions the
administration to sign the relevant contracts.
Summary of rationale:
The expansion and strengthening of international relationships, through signing of a city
partnership agreement with Palo Alto, is a significantly strategic step for Heidelberg. A
partnership with such a recognizable and economically strong city, particularly in the
fields of economy and science, creates considerable added value for Heidelberg.
- 3.1 -
Rationale:
City partnership with Palo Alto (USA):
Palo Alto (approximately 67,000 inhabitants) is considered to be the capital of Silicon Valley. In
2013, Heidelberg and Palo Alto signed the “Smart City Alliance“ agreement, to formally reinforce
a strategic partnership between both cities.
Central themes of the agreement are: culture, science, sustainability and innovation, with special
attention given to “Smart City“ as core focus. Contact with Palo Alto since signing of the
agreement has increased notably. Constructive discourse between representatives of both cities
occur regularly to implement collaborative projects and ideas.
Among other ideas, particular emphasis is placed on exchange within the areas of youth and
sports. The representatives of the organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) remain in frequent
contact with Mr. Steffen Wörner, director of the Stadtjugendring e.V. in Heidelberg, to initiate
exchange projects. Since 2013, young students from Palo Alto have regularly participated in the
International Summer Science School in Heidelberg, thereby enrich the program not only with
regards to cultural diversity, but also with their scientific knowledge.
Situated in the heart of the Sillcion Valley, Palo Alto is especially unique, with a density of
enterprises in research-intensive industries, as well as IT-based firms. The wealth of knowledge
in various fields that exists in Palo Alto, as well as the presence of local internationally renowned
Stanford University, offers enormous potential through the partnership. In particular, the
interrelationship between local higher education institutions in Heidelberg and Stanford University
enables increased exchange of knowledge, and therefore the ability to capitalize on and benefit
from mutual outcomes.
The organisation Neighbours Abroad (Palo Alto) has already unanimously agreed to the planned
partnership with Heidelberg.The relevant proposal documents will be submitted to the municipal
council at the end of June for final approval. Authorities of both cities are in agreement that the
existing strategic partnership should now be taken to the next level. Having a genuine city
partnership emerge from the Smart City Alliance is a mutual goal. Official representatives from
Palo Alto are visiting Heidelberg from September 23 to 30, 2017.
Conclusion:
The creation of a partnership with such a reputable city gives Heidelberg the opportunity to make
strategic advancements in international relations.
Heidelberg could greatly profit from collaborations with Palo Alto, as well as from increased
intercultural exchange, while fostering mutual understanding.
As a result of globalisation, there is great demand for partnerships in distant countries, especially
among youth and young professionals. These opportunities offer unique possibilities for
exchange.
Palo Alto has assisted Heidelberg by making significant contributions to the Bitkom application.
The successful and well-orchestrated meetings in Palo Alto with key players in the fields of
politics, economy, culture and tourism have demonstrated great interest in a city partnership with
Heidelberg.
- 3.2 -
Evaluation of sustainabilty mesasures relating to city development planning goals /
Heidelberg local agenda goals.
1. City development planning target goals
Numbers(s):
+ / -
achieved:
Goal(s):
+
Goal(s):
AB03 + Location advantages in expansion as a science city
+
Rationale:
Exchange with American universities and research insitutions offers
Heidelberg the opportunity to accumulate skills and expertise, and benefit
from mutual collaboration.
AB07
+
Establish innovative enterprises
+
Rationale:
The opportunity exists, not only to establish American companies in
Heidelberg, but also, with the assistance of local partners, actively support
local companies in expansion plans abroad.
KU02 + Promote cultural diversity
+
Rationale:
Heidelberg is able to foster intercultural appreciation, through cultural
exchange with Palo Alto.
QU07 + Cultivate university partnerships
+
Rationale:
Palo Alto boasts a notable academic landscape (Stanford). Collaborations
can be actively utilized.
Soz. 6 + Great consideration given to interests of children and youth.
Rationale:
+
Youth exchange programs between the cities make youth associations
central institutions for recreational facilities for children and young people.
2. Critical assessment / Comments on goal conflicts:
None
- 3.3 -
INTERNAL REMARKS AND CO-SIGNING
Evaluation of concerns of individuals with disabilities
1. Does the proposal deal with concerns of individuals with disabilities?
☐ Yes
(Please continue to question 2)
☒ No
(Evaluation ends here)
2. Was the advisory council for individuals with disabilities (bmb) involved in drafting the proposal?
☐ Yes
(Participation is recorded in template proposal
with a maximum of two sentences; Evaluation
ends here)
Release for
Publication:
GI
(Committee
Information system)
MI
(Employeer-
information system)
BI
(Resident-
information system =
Internet)
Authorisation for internet publication by third parties available!
Bureau delivers system:
Proposal / Equipment produced
Column: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NO NO NO YES YES YES
Proposal
: ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
01.3
Nolte
ges.: OB ges.: 01 Date
Signature.
Sister Project Palo Alto – Heidelberg
There are roughly 15.000 Sister City projects worldwide, the great majority within
Europe (12.000). In Europe, most projects started with the clear intention to
increase understanding between countries and peoples who had longstanding
problems in their relations. Sister City projects between the U.S. and Europe differ
in their intentions from similar intra-European projects. They were mostly seen as a
tool to maintain close transatlantic ties after the end of the Cold War. Due to the
great distance, transatlantic partnerships are much more cost- intensive than intra-
European partnerships. Hence, the focus of any Sister City project needs to be
pinpointed and well-thought through in order to be successful.
AREAS OF COOPERATION
Palo Alto and Heidelberg have several things in common, just to name a few:
Medium sized city with international recognition
Strong interest in realizing smart city projects
Affluent diverse community
Universities with excellent world-wide reputation
Focus on technology and research
Various youth and sports programs
Vibrant citizen involvement
These common aspects are the bases for a productive relationship in a number
of fields. Following are suggestions on potential areas of cooperation and
exchange.
A. Sustainability
Heidelberg has a long tradition in implementing environmental rules and climate
control measures. In 1992, Heidelberg was the first German city to introduce a
climate protection concept. Heidelberg is home to the worldwide biggest passive
house development in its newest neighborhood district Bahnstadt.
It won the “Passive House Award 2014” and the European Sustainable City Award
(twice). The city is participating in the “Masterplan 100% climate protection” concept
of the federal government. In 2015, Heidelberg won the “Global Green City Award”
of the United Nations, honoring cities which are leading in sustainability. Heidelberg
has a high standard in trash separation, while charging low fees for its waste
management. The city invites its inhabitants each spring to help clean the city on
Smart City
Energy
&
Environment Security Retail
&
Trade Health Administration
Traffic
&
Transport Education Society IT-
Infrastructure Civic Data
Plattform
Spring Cleaning Week. A lot of schools, clubs and private citizens participate.
The “Smart City Alliance” which was built between the two cities in 2013 to enhance
the strategic collaboration in this special field. As the topic smart city is closely
linked to the area of sustainability, we recommend to put a main focus on this theme
and to basically stick to this agreement. One aspect which should be especially
outlined is the change management within an organization (such as Palo Alto and
Heidelberg). Focus should be how an organization can ensure that the newly
introduced technologies and processes fit into every day’s working life so that the
workflow is on its most efficient level. New projects can only be put in the path of
success if people are willing to push and support them.
In the course of the Bitkom competition in which Heidelberg took part, numerous
project ideas were worked out and concretized in different fields of action (pictured
below).
In a series of events and workshops, the public was involved in fruitful discussions
and brain storming processes related to the ten fields of action of a smart city.
The basis of the cooperation should be –as mentioned in the Smart City Alliance-to
share information and best practices. For each organization, there should be one
person responsible for the coordination of activities.
Afterwards common interests should be identified and both cities should bring in
their strengths and experiences to push the collaboration. From Heidelberg’s point
of view, this topic should be one of the main focus areas in the future collaboration.
B. Science/ Innovation & Business
This area should be primarily channeled through business associations like the
German Accelerator in Palo Alto or the Robert-Bosch-Stiftung, the Klaus-Tschira-
Stiftung and Dietmar-Hopp- Stiftung in Heidelberg. Such organizations can help
identify relevant subjects of interest to businesses on both sides as well as
organizing potential events. SAP, who has both a strong presence near Heidelberg
and Silicon Valley could be approached. As Palo Alto and Heidelberg have quite a
similar branch structure therefore there are various fields that offer opportunities and
chances for collaboration and exchange.
1. Potential Alliance Organizations as mentioned in the Smart City Alliance
City of Heidelberg City of Palo Alto
Heidelberg University Stanford University
Heidelberg Technologiepark Stanford Research Park
Chamber of Industry and Commerce Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
Rhein-Neckar
Heidelberg Club International Palo Alto Community Environmental
Stadtjugendring Heidelberg e.V. Action, Neighbors Abroad
Heidelberg is known as one of the “Cities of Science” as well as “knowledge pearl”
and is home of numerous excellent higher education and research institutions that
provide well-educated scientists and academics.
2. Higher education institutions
Heidelberg University (Rank 1 in medicine)
College of education
SRH University of applied sciences
College of Jewish Studies
Subsidiaries of international universities (e.g. Pepperdine University, Schiller
International University, University of Maryland)
3. Excellent research institutes:
EMBL (European European Molecular Biology Laboratory)
4 Max-Planck-Institutes
DKFZ
HIT
NCT
4. Heidelberg Technology Park
The Heidelberg Technology Park is home of more than 90 small and medium sized
enterprises in the field of biotechnology and medical research. Around 2800 scientific
and technical employees are working in these companies. The Technology Park will
respond to the growing demand for space, by both established companies and
institutions as well as start-ups, with the fifth construction phase as of 2017. The
Business Development Center Organic Electronics (BDC OE) will be established on
the conversion areas of the former conversion area, Patton Barracks and will open its
doors at the end of 2018. The BDC is incorporated into the future Heidelberg
Innovation Park (HIP). A new district for researchers, developers, producers,
entrepreneurs as well as branch offices of established companies – in other words, a
very modern economic area – on approximately 17 hectares is planned.
Innovation climate is attracting scientists and academic professionals throughout
the globe.
5. Research intensive industry, e.g.
HeidelbergCement
ProMinent
Lamy
SAS
ABB
HeidelbergPrinting
NEC Europe Ltd.
6. IT-based companies
SAP (Heidelberg/Palo Alto)
SAP APPHaus (Heidelberg)
HANA Haus (Palo Alto)
SAP subsidiaries located both in Palo Alto and Heidelberg
The federal state Baden-Württemberg holds a leading role concerning business
software. Regarding the global comparison, the federal state ranks directly after
the Silicon Valley in this special field. It has to be emphasized that Heidelberg as
well as the region nearby has the highest density of IT-based companies.
Enhancing the exchange with respect to this field of activity could be realized by
constant delegation visits on both sides (exchange programs in different
disciplines also and in particular to simplify settlement of companies from Palo
Alto/Heidelberg).
C. Youth
An important partner for youth exchange between Heidelberg und Palo Alto is the
Stadtjugendring e.V. Stadtjugendring Heidelberg is the umbrella organization of
urban youth organizations and in charge of youth exchange programs between
Heidelberg and their sister cities (www.heidelberg-weltweit.de). One example for an
exchange could be the youth orchestra project, which takes place every three years
in Heidelberg with young musicians from Montpellier, Cambridge and Heidelberg.
Youth projects and exchange is traditionally the core of any sister city project. The
idea is to provide young people with the opportunity to learn more about other
cultures, languages and habits. Heidelberg has a number of outstanding high schools.
High schools in Europe usually have several partner schools abroad with which
they organize student exchanges.
Heidelberg conducts an International Summer Science School (ISH), a yearly
exchange program to enhance exchange between youths interested in science. It is
specifically designed for sister city projects http://www.ish-heidelberg.de/. ISH
already cooperates with the John Ernest Foundation in Palo Alto.
D. Culture & Tourism
From the newly-constructed theater to the resident Symphonic Orchestra, the
many privately-organized clubs and cultural institutions, Heidelberg has a rich
cultural scene. With its existing sister cities, diverse projects like “Culture Weeks”
with Montpellier, France (German-Week in Montpellier, French-Week in
Heidelberg), a mutual representative office (with Montpellier, France) and art
exhibitions (Simferopol, Ukraine, since annexation Russia) have developed over
time. Cultural exchanges are mainly at the initiative of active citizen groups and
could take on a range of topics.
The biggest festivity in Heidelberg is the “Heidelberger Herbst” –a city-wide
fest attracting over a hundred thousand visitors at the end of September
each year.
It is organized by Heidelberg Marketing http://www.heidelberg-
event.com/events/heidelberger- herbst/?lang=en, who also organizes the three
castle illumination and firework events taking place each summer, as well as the
yearly Christmas Market.
Besides, numerous other annual events in Heidelberg provide the opportunity to
present the similarities of both cities in terms of a specific stand, performance, e.g.,
and therefore enhance the intercultural understanding within the citizenship.
E. Sports
In the past, Olympic teams from partner cities have used these facilities and
German teams have trained abroad. The organization of the program is conducted
by Sportkreis Heidelberg http://www.sportkreis-heidelberg.de/
Heidelberg hosts a number of Marathons. The most popular is the marathon
sponsored by SAS, a Heidelberg based software firm
https://www.runme.de/deutschland/sas- halbmarathon-heidelberg/, with several
thousand participants. Moreover, the wheel chair marathon http://www.rollstuhl-
marathon.de/index.php?lang=de is
To enhance sportive projects, it would be useful actively involving foundations as
those have different key topics and are willing to invest in corresponding projects.
Especially sport exchange offers the chance to create intercultural understanding as
well as connectedness, in all social classes and age groups.
.
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3973)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 8/12/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: International Relationships
Title: Review of the City of Palo Alto/ Neighbor's Abroad Sister Cities
Program, Discussion of International Relationships Strategy, Authorization to
Engage in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Partnership Agreement" with the City
of Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on Exploring Future "Smart City"
Partnerships
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council review and discuss the background and history of
the City’s international relationships, and Motion:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached “Smart Cities Partnership
Agreement” (Attachment 5) with the City of Heidelberg, Germany at a
ceremony to be held in October, 2013.
2. Discuss the Bay Area Council’s invitation to the Mayor and/or other Council
Members to represent the Council in the US-China Collaboration Symposium
in October, 2013, with special focus on the Smart Cities Conference in
Yangpu, Shanghai
3. Direct staff to work with Stanford University to explore the creation of a
Government Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
4. Direct staff to work in collaboration with Neighbors Abroad and other
community volunteers to explore the addition of the “Smart City” concepts
to existing Sister Cities who might be interested.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Background
Sister Cities International and Neighbors Abroad
Sister Cities International (SCI) was created in 1956 by President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, who “envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and
prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the
world.” In a post-war era, SSI promoted “citizen diplomacy”; promoting peace and
prosperity by creating opportunities for people to learn about other people and
cultures and build lifetime friendships [see additional sources 1 below]. The
intent was that upon a foundation of mutual understanding, a new era of
peaceful collaboration between cities, and ultimately nations, would be catalyzed.
In the early 1960s, citizen leaders in Palo Alto formed Neighbors Abroad, an
organization meant to create and manage the City’s emerging international
relations strategy based on the principles of SCI, focused primarily on cultural and
educational exchanges. Palo Alto’s first official Sister City relationship was forged
in 1963 with Palo, Leyte, Philippines. It was followed in 1964 by Oaxaca, Mexico.
Since then, several more official Sister City relationships developed: Enschede,
Netherlands (1980); Linkoping, Sweden (1987); Albi, France (1994); and Tsuchiura,
Japan (2009).
With the goal of “promot[ing] international and inter-cultural understanding” [see
additional sources 2 below], the 50 years of international relationships for Palo
Alto through Neighbors Abroad has been very successful. This is evidenced not
only by the continued relationships between citizens in Palo Alto and our sister
cities, but also in the numerous programs, visits, and student exchanges that
continue to be organized and produced by Neighbors Abroad. Many of these
events are documented in El Chisme de Neighbors Abroad, their bi-monthly
publication. In fact, within the last year, the City has partnered with Neighbors
Abroad to host visits from citizens and leaders from 5 of our 6 Sister Cities (Palo,
Oaxaca, Enschede, Linkoping, and Tsuchiura). It is important to note that in
conversations with each of our Sister Cities it has become clear that they are all
interested in a more focused relationship, especially as it relates to economic
development.
City of Palo Alto Page 3
Managing an official Sister-City relationship requires a great deal of energy and
commitment. Neighbors Abroad established a program management structure
that largely relies on a volunteer Vice President to lead each relationship. This
creates a risk to the sustainability of the program if their effort to engage new
members in the leadership pipeline is unsuccessful. Further, while SCI has
adapted its emphasis to include economic partnerships as a focus area, Neighbors
Abroad has deliberatively not done so. Staff recommends working together with
Neighbors Abroad to ensure that our established relationships continue, allowing
the flexibility to transition the nature of our collaborations as appropriate.
“Smart Cities” Partnerships
In the 50 years since 1963, Palo Alto/Stanford has emerged as a global center for
technology and innovation. This has had an important impact on our appeal to
other cities as a potential strategic partner. This interest is evidenced by the
regular visits by leaders from cities all over the world. Environmental
sustainability, innovation-driven economic development, and educational
exchanges are just a few areas where a mutually beneficial, strategic, and focused
relationship could be fruitful for those cities and ours.
Especially in the last decade, changes in the geo-political landscape, technological
advancements, and the globalization of the world economy have made new types
of collaboration and partnership possible. It is now appropriate to review our
international relationships and explore structures and strategies attuned to this
changing landscape and which allow for the flexibility to experiment with new
approaches. Because the Sister-City model does not allow for such smaller,
focused, relationships, the concept of a “Smart-City” partnership has materialized
as a potential new model worth testing.
A smart city, as defined by the United Cities for Local Governments, is “a type of
city that uses new technologies to make them more livable, functional,
competitive, and modern through the use of new technologies, the promotion of
innovation and knowledge management, bringing together 6 key fields of
performance: the economy, mobility, the environment, citizenship, quality of life
and, finally, management.” [See additional sources 3 below]
City of Palo Alto Page 4
The idea of the “Smart City” partnership is to create a vehicle by which the City
can engage with another city or region of the world around strategically targeted
topic areas that benefits the City, its people, and community. The partnership
would be short-term (less than 5 years) in duration, and be expected to provide
valuable results measured through mutually-established metrics. These topic
areas could draw from the Smart City movement, which includes:
Support for Entrepreneurship
Retaining and attracting talent and promoting creativity
Education
Online public services
Transparent governance
Promoting ICT (information and communications technology) and Innovation
Smart mobility
Culture and Identity
Accessibility and e-inclusion [3]
City of Heidelberg, Germany
For several years, the City of Heidelberg, Germany, has been in discussions with
City Leaders about engaging in such a partnership.
In October, a presentation was given to the Council by representatives from
Heidelberg and SAP regarding the City of Heidelberg. This presentation is
attached (Attachment 4), and highlights several of the key aspects of Heidelberg
as well as areas of potential collaboration with the City of Palo Alto. Heidelberg is
a city of approximately 150,000 people that takes up approximately 68 square
miles at the center of the Neckar River Triangle in Germany. It is home to several
institutions of scientific and technical research, and boasts an economy largely
driven by invention and innovation.
City of Palo Alto Page 5
Staff was especially impressed with their leadership in the area of environmental
sustainability, both in terms of their City’s goals as well as their robust programs-
especially those that engaged their citizenry in behavioral changes. This is
exemplified by their inclusion in the C40, an internationally respected Climate
Leadership Group, made up mostly of much larger cities. An overview of their
environmental efforts is included in their collateral entitled “Climate Protection
Commitment” included in this report (Attachment 6)
Staff has also identified several current residents in Palo Alto from the Heidelberg
region who have expressed their interest in volunteering in any effort to connect
our two cities. In follow-up efforts and meetings, a “Smart City Partnership
Agreement” has been drafted for the Council’s Consideration (Attachment 5)
Yangpu District of Shanghai, China
In November of 2012, the Council authorized the Mayor to execute an
exploratory agreement with the District of Yangpu, Shanghai, China (Attachment
3). Staff and Council Members traveled to China with a Bay Area Council (BAC)
Delegation, and returned with a presentation on their experiences in December.
At that point, staff was given directions specific to continuing the Yangpu/Palo
Alto relationship. An update of the efforts of staff and volunteers thus far was
included in the Council Packet for 8/5/13 as an informational item. Of particular
note is the successful completion of a pilot student exchange/ experiential
learning program by six teens from Palo Alto High Schools. Staff was also directed
to return to Council with a study session on International Relations. This action
session of the Council is intended to allow for discussion, but also includes the
flexibility for some specific actions for Council’s consideration.
As noted in the informational report on 8/5/13, The City has also been invited by
the Bay Area Council to take part in the “Smart City” Conference 2013 to be held
in China. It begins outside Beijing in Tianjin and concludes in Yangpu, Shanghai.
The Mayor and the City Manager (or appointees) have been invited to speak at
the conference. Vice Mayor Shepherd has been participating in the steering
committee process and expects to have an informative program involving green
tech leaders, government officials and industry. The purpose is to promote 21st
Century thinking on green efforts as China develops their domestic economy and
City of Palo Alto Page 6
public services. The conference is scheduled for October 13-20, and all council
members are welcome to attend. The Bay Area Council has created a special
government rate for those interested in participating.
City of Espoo, Finland and Aalto University
In late May, 2013, The Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Manager, and Asst. Planning
Director met with representatives from the Stanford Technology Venture
Program, leaders from the City of Espoo, Finland, and the University of Aalto in
Espoo. Through this interesting discussion, an idea emerged that a program
between Palo Alto and a Stanford graduate student could be developed with a
focus on government innovations and entrepreneurship. If such a program was
also developed simultaneously between the City of Espoo and Aalto University, it
could form the initial foundation for a very interesting “Smart Cities” Partnership
as well.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto has an opportunity to build on its international identity and
the existing strong foundation of international relationships to create new value
for the City. In this Digital Age, it is appropriate to build upon our goodwill and
cultural exchanges to reach beyond to form new economic, technical, and
innovation focused programs with other cities in the world.
We can leverage our existing international relationships and add some new ones,
especially those that benefit our city and enhance our position in the global
marketplace. A nimble model such as the “Smart Cities” partnership allows us to
explore potential relationships and engage in shorter term, focused collaboration
towards specific and measureable goals.
The “Sister City” model has an important place in the history of Palo Alto. It has
provided a strong foundation for our international relations. The efforts of the
Neighbors Abroad volunteers and Staff over the last 50 years have been
remarkably valuable and fruitful for the City, especially from a cultural,
City of Palo Alto Page 7
educational, and ambassadorial perspective. Staff recommends that the City
continue to support the Sister City programs, visits, and exchanges largely
managed by Neighbors Abroad. At the same time Staff can also work with
Neighbors Abroad and other interested community members to create new
strategic opportunities as well. These results-oriented relationships need not rise
to the level of depth and permanence of the “Sister City”, and indeed should be
lithe and flexible in their structure. It is intended that through the inclusion of a
new Smart Cities model, Staff and Neighbors Abroad can work to attract a
broader range of citizens to volunteer in the efforts.
Given the background and meetings between the City of Palo Alto and the City of
Heidelberg, a short term Smart City Partnership between the two cities is a good
chance to experiment with a new model and a chance to develop some
measurable results. Additionally, Staff anticipates using it as a test case to draw
new people and interest into our collaboration with Neighbors Abroad. A draft of
a non-binding and exploratory agreement with Heidelberg was created for the
Council’s consideration and approval, and is attached as (Attachment 5)
Government Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship
Staff is also seeking the Council’s direction to work with Stanford to explore the
interest in designing a fellowship that would focus on innovations in local
government and entrepreneurialism. Staff would develop a framework for a
potential program and return to Council for discussion/ action at a later time.
Timeline
Staff intends to return to Council with an update in the first quarter of 2014.
Resource Impact
Some staff time will be dedicated to this effort. it is likely that additional
resources may be requested as part of any further staff recommendations,
especially the creation of a Government Innovations/ Entrepreneurship
Fellowship.
City of Palo Alto Page 8
Additional Sources
[1] www.sister-cities.org/mission-and-history
[2] www.neighborsabroad.org
[3] http://www.cities-
localgovernments.org/committees/cdc/Upload/formations/smartcitiesstudy_en.pdf
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Excerpt Minutes 10-22-12 (Heidelberg Presentation) (JPG)
Attachment 2: Excerpt Minutes 12-17-12 (Yangpu Partnership and Direction for Study
Session) (PDF)
Attachment 3: Yangpu Partnership Agreement_Final (PDF)
Attachment 4: Heidelberg Presentation 10-12 PPT (PPTX)
Attachment 5: Heidelberg-Palo Alto Draft MOU_7-1-13 (DOCX)
Attachment 6: Heidelberg Climate Protection Commitment (PDF)
City of Palo Alto (ID # 4122)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 9/23/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Update to Heidelberg Agreement
Title: Reauthorization to Engage in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Alliance
Agreement" with the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on
Exploring Future "Smart City" Alliance
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council reapprove the agreement between the City of
Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo Alto, replacing the word “partnership”
with “alliance”.
Background
On August 12, 2013, City Council approved Staff Report #3973 to authorize the
Mayor to execute the “Smart Cities Partnership Agreement” with the City of
Heidelberg, Germany at a ceremony to be held in October, 2013.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto received a request from Heidelberg’s Mayor to change the
word “partnership,” in the agreement to “alliance.” The term “alliance” is more
typically used in Europe than “partnership”. While we may continue to refer to
our Smart City initiatives as partnerships, this change would be appropriate. The
word change would not change the conditions of the agreement. The Heidelberg
Mayor feels that the word change better highlights the difference between smart
city agreements and sister city agreements.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
The Mayor and City Manager will also be traveling to our Sister City Enschede, The
Netherlands, on this trip. Enschede is also interested in exploring a Smart City
“alliance” with Palo Alto. Mayor Scharff and I will be discussing this with their
Mayor and City Manager. Our trip will occur October 6-13.
In related matters, Vice Mayor Shepherd will traveling to China on behalf of the
City with the Bay Area Council, October 12-20. On that trip, she will be
participating in a Smart City Symposium in Yangpu District Shanghai (our Smart
City Partner in China).
Attachments:
Attachment A: Heidelberg Agreement with Edits (PDF)
Attachment B: Heidelberg Agreement Final (PDF)
Attachment C: 8-12-13 Staff Report (PDF)
Attaachment D: 08-12-13 CC Minutes Excerpt (DOC)