HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/15/2020 - RESOLUTION 2020-86 SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF Agenda Item 13
Item # 13 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY September 15, 2020
City Council
STAFF
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist
Judy Schmidt, Legal
SUBJECT
Resolution 2020-86 Supporting the Establishment of a Friendship Cities Partnership Between the City of Fort
Collins and Vila Nova De Famalicão, Portugal.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to submit a Friendship City application from Vila Nova de Famalicão (VNF) in
Portugal. The City partnered with VNF for 18 months through the International Urban Cooperation program
and now the two cities would like to establish a long-term agreement through the Council Friendship City
process and a related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Friendship City Process
In 2012, the City established a Friendship City Partnership process to assist in the response and development
of more formalized partnerships with international communities. The City believes in the benefit and richness
of sharing and learning from others.
A Friendship City Partnership is an established agreement between the City and a foreign city that is mutually
beneficial. (Attachment 1) The first step towards establishing a Friendship City Partnership is completing an
Application. The Application helps to identify the proposed goals of the partnership, the supporting activities
that would be included, and highlights the areas of interest and strengths or needs for each party.
(Attachment 2)
The criteria for considering a Friendship City Partnership is based on, but not solely limited to, one or more of
the following:
1. Attribute Match: Does the community have similarities to our size, population, demographics, vision,
mission, or goals?
2. Goal Match: Does the community have relevant sustainability, cultural and/or economic goals?
3. Connection Match: Does the community have existing local connections with significant community or
business interests such as Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, University of
Colorado Health Systems, Poudre School District, a targeted cluster industry, etc.?
4. Exchange Match: Does the community currently participate in an on-going exchange program with an
organization in the city such as the Poudre School District, service organization, health care organization,
etc.?
5. Ethical Match: Does the community strive to be a stable and ethical government?
Agenda Item 13
Item # 13 Page 2
In 2013, Council adopted Resolution 2013-068 establishing a Friendship City Partnership between the City and
San Cristobal de las Casas, in Chiapas, Mexico.
Friendship City Application – Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Fort Collins and Vila Nova de Famalicão (VNF) have formally collaborated for 18 months through the
International Urban Cooperation program and are seeking to solidify the partnership beyond the initial
program, leveraging the Citys’ friendship city process and a related MOU. Collaboration to date has
demonstrated benefits to both cities. For example, Fort Collins applied VNF’s community-centered structure for
pop-up engagement as part of the Our Climate Future (OCF) planning process. The approach increased the
equitability of the OCF process by bringing engagement opportunities to where people are in the community
and creating interesting and relatable experiences. The City has also connected with VNF on topics of mobility
(transit and active modes), behavior change, and community partnership and ownership. Both cities share the
value of co-creation and innovation. To continue to reap the benefits of collaboration with VNF, staff
recommends adopting VNF as a friendship city and formalizing future collaboration by adopting this Resolution
supporting establishment of a Friendship City Partnership between Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal and the
City and authorizing a formal agreement in the form of a (MOU. (Attachment 3).
Vila Nova de Famalicão is in Northern Portugal and is classified as a “Regional Urban Center” in relation to
some of the nearest cities (Braga, Guimarães, Viana do Castelo). The City is 30km from Porto and 20 minutes
from the international airport and seaport. Vila Nova de Famalicão has 202km2 and 133,000 inhabitants, with
658 residents/km. 63% of the population is between 25 and 64 years of age. In 2011, 30% of population had a
primary school education and 11% had higher education with university graduation. Vila Nova de Famalicão is
considered a global collective space, with identity and differentiation, where the community is the moving force,
and the results occur from collective action. Collaboration, co-operation, and co-creation are the 3C’s that
support the municipal action focused on the reinforcement of networks and partnerships.
There are several areas of mutual interest between the two cities (described in detail in the attached
application), including topics of collaboration from 2018-2020: sustainable economic development and circular
economy; climate action; active mobility and transit. Other areas of mutual interest for future exploration
include employee health and wellness programs, work culture, customer service to businesses and residents,
City as a platform, City role in economic health, arts and culture, community engagement, shop local
campaigns, affordable housing, and more. The benefits to collaboration include:
● Maintaining our commitment to collaboration.
● Making both cities more competitive when seeking funding for collaboration or joint grants, as it
demonstrates a stable and seasoned relationship.
● Increasing organization-wide buy-in on new collaboration topics.
● Making a modest time commitment to bring potentially significant rewards through grants and by gaining
access to international discussions of issues impacting the City.
Resources for Collaboration
There is no funding required for this Friendship City partnership and a minimal FTE commitment (the liaison
role is described below.). Initial funding (2018-2020) for collaboration was provided by the International Urban
Cooperation (IUC) and the two cities intend to seek new funding similar to that provided by IUC for future
collaboration activities. No City funds are sought to support the partnership. Per the attached MOU, each
City commits to maintain a liaison to support continued quality of collaboration. These two points of contact
will be the link between the cities - coordinating knowledge exchange on the topics of collaboration and
developing ideas for joint projects and activities that can be funded externally. Additional details are outlined in
the MOU.
Resources for Related Project Work
The two cities have developed cooperative activities to be aligned with projects already in implementation or
planned for implementation and supported by the human resources already allocated. In the case of new
areas of work, the cities would seek grant funding to cover costs.
Points of Contact
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Services Department, City of Fort Collins
Andreia Mafra, Urban Planner, Strategic Planning Department, Vila Nova de Famalicão
Agenda Item 13
Item # 13 Page 3
Additional City staff involved in or supporting collaboration with VNF
Lindsay Ex, Interim Housing Manager, Social Sustainability Department
Paul Sizemore, Interim Director of Community Development and Neighborhood Services
Drew Brooks, Director of Transit
Tessa Greegor, Active Modes Manager, FC Moves
Melina Dempsey, Transit Planner, FC Moves
Sean Carpenter, Climate Economy Advisor, Economic Health Office
Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
A minimal ongoing FTE commitment to act as a liaison to Vila Nova de Famalicão.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Friendship City Application and Process Outline (PDF)
2. Friendship City Application (PDF)
3. Memorandum of Understanding - draft (PDF)
Friendship City Application
Fort Collins and Vila Nova de Famalicao
September 2, 2020
1. Name and Country of the Proposed Partner City or Agency
Vila Nova de Famalicão (VNF) Municipality, Portugal
2. Today’s Date
July 30th, 2020
3. Name of Person Requesting Partnership
Title: Paulo Alexandre Matos Cunha
Affiliation: City Mayor
Address: Praça Álvaro Marques, 4764-502 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Email: paulocunha@famalicao.pt
Phone: +351 252 320 900
4. Rationale
Fort Collins and Vila Nova de Famalicao (VNF) have formally collaborated for 18 months through the
International Urban Cooperation program and are seeking to solidify the partnership beyond the initial
program, leveraging the City of Fort Collins’ friendship city process and a related Memorandum of
Understanding (attached). Collaboration to date has demonstrated benefits to both cities. For example, Fort
Collins applied VNF’s community-centered structure for pop-up engagement as part of the Our Climate Future
(OCF) planning process. The approach increased the equitability of the OCF process by bringing engagement
opportunities to where people are in the community and creating interesting and relatable experiences. Fort
Collins has also connected with VNF on topics of mobility (transit and active modes), behavior change, and
community partnership/ownership. To continue to reap the benefits of collaboration with VNF, Fort Collins
recommends adopting VNF as a friendship city and formalizing future collaboration by passing an MOU by
Council resolution (see Attachment A for draft MOU).
There are several areas of mutual interest between the two cities, including topics of collaboration from 2018-
2020, including: sustainable economic development and circular economy; climate action; active mobility and
transit. Other areas of mutual interest for future exploration include employee health and wellness programs,
work culture, customer service to businesses and residents, City as a platform, City role in economic health,
arts and culture, community engagement, shop local campaigns, affordable housing, and more. The benefits
to collaboration include:
● Maintaining our commitment to collaboration
● Making both cities more competitive when seeking funding for collaboration or joint grants, as it
demonstrates a stable and seasoned relationship
● Increasing org-wide buy-in on new collaboration topics
● Making a modest time commitment can bring potentially significant rewards through grants and by
gaining access to international discussions of issue impacting Fort Collins
ATTACHMENT 1
Potential collaboration projects:
Circular economy. VNF is involved in several large grants with other EU cities. By continuing to collaborate
with VNF, Fort Collins gains access to circular economy perspectives from across Europe and the ability to
learn from their efforts.
Potential outcome: Innovative circular economy strategies to support the City’s strategic objective 4.3
Enhance Efforts to Achieve 2030 Zero Waste Goals
● Metrics:0F1
o Activity: Number of solutions shared through collaboration, number of international
connections made, number of solutions tested/applied in Fort Collins and VNF.
o Outcome: Percent of Fort Collins and VNF waste materials diverted from landfill.
Housing Strategic Plan. Leverage connections to learn how housing affordability is approached in VNF,
benefiting the Fort Collins Housing Strategic Plan.
● Potential outcome: Innovative strategies for inclusion in the Housing Strategic Plan.
● Metrics:1
o Activity: Number of solutions shared through collaboration, number of international
connections made, number of solutions tested/applied in Fort Collins and VNF
o Outcome: Percentage of Fort Collins and VNF homes affordable to a median income
household
Regional and local mobility. VNF and Fort Collins have already connected closely on local and regional
mobility and hope to pursue further collaboration around regional approaches to mobility as a service (MAAS)
apps, advantages of combined bicycle and pedestrian plans, and approaches to behavior change.
● Potential outcomes: Regional mobility as a service app for Norther Colorado; combined bicycle and
pedestrian plan for Fort Collins.
● Metrics:1
o Activity: Number of solutions shared through collaboration, number of international
connections made, number of solutions tested/applied in Fort Collins and VNF
o Outcome: Percent mode share in Fort Collins and VNF
Public health and local economy. With the event of COVID-19, the two cities have expressed interest in
discussing the relationship between public health and local economy from the perspective of recovery.
● Potential outcome: Novel pandemic recovery strategies.
● Metrics:1 o Activity: Number of solutions shared through collaboration
o Outcome: Economic activity as measured by sales of retail, food and goods and services and
number of COVID-19 per 1,000 in Fort Collins and VNF
Points of contact:
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Services Department
Andreia Mafra, Urban Planner, Strategic Planning Department
Resources for collaboration: There is no funding required for this Friendship City partnership and a minimal
FTE commitment (see description of liaison below). Initial funding (2018-2020) for collaboration was provided
by the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) and the two cities intend to seek new funding similar to that
provided by IUC for future collaboration activities, however no City funds are sought to support the
partnership. Per the attached MOU, each City commits to maintain a liaison to maintain the quality of the
collaboration. These two points of contact will be the link between the cities, coordinating knowledge
exchange on the topics of collaboration and developing ideas for joint projects and activities that can be
funded externally. More details of this are outlined in the MOU.
1 Metrics are listed at activity and outcome levels. Activity metrics will best capture the strength of the relationship,
whereas the outcome metrics are what the cities are attempting to influence. Both cities recognize that many factors
play into outcome metrics and that impacts of the collaboration may be indirect.
Resources for related project work: The two cities have developed cooperation activities to be aligned with
projects already in implementation or planned for implementation and supported by the human resources
already allocated. In the case of new areas of work, the cities would seek grant funding to cover costs.
6. Profile of the Requesting Partner Organization
Vila Nova de Famalicão Municipality is the local government responsible for the management of the city
territory. The main municipal assignments are in the areas: transport systems; science, education and
training; natural and cultural heritage; tourism; libraries and museums; creativity and culture; health and
safety; youth, leisure and sport; social support and housing; environment and water infrastructures; urbanism
and spatial planning; competitiveness and economy; local integrated development; governance, local
networks and partnerships; external cooperation and strategic planning.
The City Council is the executive body of the municipality and the Municipal Assembly is the deliberative
organ, both are elected at the same time every four years. Above the municipal level, VNF has 34 Parishes,
also elected every four years, which have one deliberative and one executive body.
The municipality is located in Northern Portugal and is classified as a “Regional Urban Center” in relation to
some of the nearest cities (Braga, Guimarães, Viana do Castelo). The City is 30km from Porto and 20
minutes from the international airport and seaport.
Vila Nova de Famalicão has 202km2 and 133,000 inhabitants, with 658 residents/km. 63% of the population is
between 25 and 64 years of age. In 2011, 30% of population had a primary school education and 11% had
higher education with university graduation.
The city’s land use is considered “urban sprawl” with intense mixed uses and functions and a permanent
intersection between urban, rural, and industrial spaces. In the City’s strategic plan, this is considered an
added value to be leveraged, optimizing its multifunctionality and biodiversity. This mix of uses and land use
type is also a challenge for municipal action in several thematic areas.
VNF is an industrial territory, resulting from the strong industrialization in the nineteenth century associated
with the textile sector. The textile sector was responsible for 75% of the local economy. However, after the
textile crisis, other sectors have gained importance: textiles are responsible for 50% of the local economy;
metal mechanics 14%; food 10%; and machinery and equipment 7%.
For many decades, the population was primarily factory workers with lower rates of higher education and high
levels of technical and industrial knowledge and strong entrepreneurial dynamics. Today, there is a focus on
vocational training, resulting from the dialogue between schools and companies. VNF considers its strengths
to include the industrial and entrepreneur community and its social and economic resilience.
As an industrial territory, VNF is the municipality with the second highest trade volume in Portugal and the
third largest exporter in Portugal. To support the industrial-manufacturing sector there are CITEVE-
Technological Center for Textiles and Clothing, CeNTI- Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials and
TECMEAT- Technological Center for Meat Industry.
The City has approximately 1,500 employees and a municipal annual budget of 110,800,000 €.
The strategic plan for 2014-2025 - Famalicão Visão’25 - defined the Vision for 2025, supported by the city’s
distinctive values to be a global techno-industrial community in a green, multifunctional and biodiverse city!
The Vision´25 was defined with an innovative community engagement process is being implemented by co-
creating the future with the community (public and private sector, community members, and other entities).
Vila Nova de Famalicão is considered a global collective space, with identity and differentiation, where the
community is the moving force, and the results occur from the collective action. Collaboration, cooperation
and co-creation, are the 3C’s that support the municipal action focused on the reinforcement of networks and
partnerships.
To achieve the common desired future (Vision’25), four main guidelines and eight thematic challenges were
identified to orient municipal action through four thematic areas: Economy, Territory, People and Governance.
Each one of these four thematic areas has a “star-program” that align the public and private projects and
actions in the construction of the future. The ‘structuring projects’ that integrate each ‘star-program’ enhance
the distinctive values, cause changes and impacts, exemplify and demonstrate solutions, and inspire and
support other projects and actions. Examples in the thematic areas include:
Economy - Famalicão Made IN: promote an entrepreneurial, industrial and exporting city, leveraging a new
limit of excellence and techno-industrial innovation. Relevant Projects: Famalicão Textile City; Famalicão
Circular ; Services Made INcentivate, Made INvest and Made INcubate; JUMP contest to support
entrepreneurs and new business; Made INternational and VNF Alliance for international cooperation (in&out);
Cultural Network Above the Stage; International project Atlantic Food Export; International project Export
Food Sudoe.
Territory - B-Smart Famalicão: lead a diverse landscape towards a landscape for life quality, rural-urban
optimization and more autonomy, supported by a domestic eco economy. Relevant Projects: Eco Schools
Network; 25.000 Trees for 2025; Our Rivers; Local Agenda 21; Mayors Adapt; Strategic Urban Development
Program, for rehabilitation and sustainable mobility; Urban Farms and Local Products Markets; Ative Mob,
action plan for pedestrian and bike use; community cocreation of the Local Protected Landscape Pateiras do
Ave; International URBACT project UrbRec Urban Resource Centers, Resourceful Cities.
People - Famalicão V Force: high social capital as a support in the promotion of new environments of social
innovation and active participation. Relevant Projects: Famalicão Entrepreneur Network; Famalicão Social
Network; Local Education and Training Network; national pilot-project for education decentralization;
Qualification Centers for lifelong learning; Education for entrepreneurship and contest "My Project Is
Entrepreneur"; Integrated Strategy for City Development; International project My Machine; International
project Atlantic Social Lab.
Governance - ‘Communitarian’ Famalicão: collective projects that involve the public and private sector,
companies and civil society, promoting a renewed picture of city administrators. Relevant Projects: Famalicão
Visão’25, the strategic planning process with community involvement and citizens active participation (design,
implementation, evaluation); new governance model with commissions from local multi sectorial stakeholders;
One-stop Services; Urban Intelligence Platform, Smart Center Famalicão; International URBACT project
Making Spend Matter.
More information:
Famalicão Municipality website: https://www.cm-vnfamalicao.pt/?it=home&nlg=2
Famalicão Facts and Figures booklet: https://issuu.com/municipiodefamalicao/docs/revista_-_famalica__o_-
_concelho_co
Famalicão Identity booklet: https://issuu.com/municipiodefamalicao/docs/en_vnf_city
Famalicão Made IN website: https://www.famalicaomadein.pt/
7. Please add any additional information about this Partnership you wish to share and
submit this form to:
The two cities successfully collaborated for over eighteen months on the topics of low-carbon mobility,
community engagement and partnership, and circular economy; and this cooperation was considered a role
model collaboration for the IUC program City-to-City Cooperation.
The IUC cooperation resulted in the following outputs for VNF (more about impacts to Fort Collins have
already been detailed):
(i) AtiveMob, VNF Action Plan for Active Bike and Pedestrian Mobility was an action plan built with the
community that supports Famalicão’s planned investments in infrastructures and enhanced behavior change.
This plan was inspired by the Fort Collins bike plan.
(ii) Knowledge about bicycle networks, through direct contact with an experienced city has been a huge factor
for success.
(iii) Discussion about communication and community engagement as added value, sparking reflection on the
need to bring municipal services and projects closer to people;
(iv) Implementation of the IUC Integrated Local Action Plan activities (developed by VNF and Fort Collins) and
the objectives for the city-to-city cooperation;
(v) Individual and shared value from the ILAP/IUC activities and new best practices and perspectives;
(vi) Municipal staff skills around enhancing internal and external cooperation (between municipal services and
with municipal local and regional stakeholders).
The IUC has invited Fort Collins and Vila Nova de Famalicão to explore ideas and present proposals for
future collaboration to implement pilot projects focused on enhancing sustainability (circular economy,
individual behavior, climate change, etc.).
Friendship City Designees - To be completed by City of Fort Collins Staff
8. City of Fort Collins Designated Representative (Main Contact):
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Sustainability Services
9. Names, title and department of any others from the City of Fort Collins or the Community
of Fort Collins who may be involved in any Partnership activities:
Lindsay Ex, Interim Housing Manager, Social Sustainability Department
Paul Sizemore, Interim Director of Community Development and Neighborhood Services
Drew Brooks, Director of Transit
Tessa Greegor, Active Modes Manager, FC Moves
Melina Dempsey, Transit Planner, FC Moves
Sean Carpenter, Climate Economy Advisor, Economic Health Office
Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation
10. Partner Organization Designated Representative:
Andreia Mafra, Urban Planner, Strategic Planning Department Planner, Strategic Planning Department
11. Names, title and department of any others from the Partnership City or Community who
will be partners of the Agreement.
Sofia Fernandes, Councillor for Mobility, Family, Volunteering and Public Health
Pedro Sena, Councillor for Environment
Augusto Lima, Councilor for Economy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tourism, Internationalization and
Territorial Integrated Development
Francisca Magalhães, Director of Territory Planning and Urban Management Department
Susana Matos, Architect in the Territory Planning and Urban Management Department
Francisco Jorge, Head of Strategic Planning and Entrepreneurship Department
Paula Dourado, Tourism and Internationalization Services
Vitor Leite, Engineer in the Mobility and Road Safety Department
Sílvia Costa, Entrepreneurship Project Manager in the Famalicão Made IN Services
To be completed by City of Fort Collins Staff
12. Primary Signing Authority for City of Fort Collins (Mayor, City Council Member, etc.):
Mayor Wade Troxell
13. Primary Signing Authority for Partner Abroad (Mayor, City Council Member, etc.):
City Mayor Paulo Alexandre Matos Cunha
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Friendship City Application
Information & Instructions
This application is to be completed by the person or organization putting forth the proposal and the City of Fort
Collins employee contact.
BACKGROUND
A Friendship City Partnership is an established relationship between the City of Fort Collins and a foreign
partnering organization that is mutually beneficial. The first step towards establishing a Friendship City
Partnership is completing the attached Application. The Application helps to identify the proposed goals of the
partnership, the supporting activities that would be included, and it highlights the areas of interest and
strengths or needs for each party.
This information is provided to the Fort Collins City Councilmembers for their consideration. If City Council
determines that the Application outlines a strong fit, a Resolution to formalize the partnership will be
considered by City Council.
Once a Resolution is in place, the designated representatives for each of the participating organizations will
complete an Agreement. The Agreement will outline specific goals and outcomes, ensure implementation and
documentation, and clarify any monetary expenditure. A Friendship City Partnership Agreement will require
review by the City Manager.
CRITERIA
The criteria for considering a Friendship City
Partnership is based on, but not solely limited to,
one or more of the following:
1. Attribute Match: Does the community have
similarities to our size, population,
demographics, vision, mission, or goals?
2. Goal Match: Does the community have
relevant sustainability, cultural and/or economic
goals?
3. Connection Match: Does the community have
existing local connections with significant
community or business interests such as
Colorado State University, Front Range
Community College, University of Colorado
Health Systems, Poudre School District, a
targeted cluster industry, etc.?
4. Exchange Match: Does the community
currently participate in an on-going exchange
program with an organization in the city such as
the Poudre School District, service
organization, health care organization, etc.?
5. Ethical Match: Does the community strive to
be a stable and ethical government?
WHO MAY REQUEST A FRIENDSHIP
CITY PARTNERSHIP
Any person or organization may submit
an application. The most successful
applications will have more than one
sponsor and will represent multiple
agencies or organizations.
Those interested should work with an
appropriate City of Fort Collins staff
person to determine viability of a
Friendship City Partnership.
ATTACHMENT 2
2 | PAGE
APRIL 2013
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
RESPONSIBILITIES
When a Friendship City Partnership Application is
determined to meet the criteria and City Council
passes a Resolution to that effect, the involved
parties will draft proposed operating guidelines.
The guidelines will be in the form of an Agreement
and they will detail the scope of activities,
responsibilities, financial arrangements, and
reporting requirements of each organization. The
Agreement will be reviewed by the City and must
be signed by the City Manager or the official who
has been designated by the City to sign on behalf
of the City of Fort Collins.
The City employee named by the City of Fort
Collins as the designated representative for a
particular Friendship City Partnership is responsible
for facilitating preparation and forwarding of the
documents to the foreign entity for signature.
Responsibility for tracking the implementation of the
Agreement and all activities rests with the
designated contact person at each organization.
That person will be the contact when the City of
Fort Collins requests information about the
Agreement or if further collaboration is desired by
other departments. The City of Fort Collins’
designated representative is required to maintain a
record of the activities of the Agreement. These
records will be reviewed at the end of the term of
the Agreement for evaluation and possible renewal.
The intent is to have annual reports provided to the
City Manager, the City Council and other interested
parties.
Planning and sponsorship (payment of expenses)
for visits by individuals or teams to or from the
partner organization/entity for the purpose of
negotiating or signing the contract or any
subsequent visits are the responsibility of the
traveling party unless otherwise stated.
Customarily, the hosting department would provide
funding for lunches or other allowable hospitality
expenses and the traveling party would cover their
travel, lodging and other expenses not provided by
the hosting organization.
PROCESSING THE APPLICATION
The Application will clearly state the rationale and
goals of the Partnership and the benefits to the City
of Fort Collins and the partner organization. Once
an Agreement is in place all information in the
Application and Agreement will be shared with the
community and stakeholders upon request.
Complete information for contact people and
authorizing individuals (those who sign) must be
provided before the Agreement can be finalized.
Incomplete information will delay the process.
Agreements will be written for a specified period of
time with an option to renew.
Please return your completed Application
electronically to the City Manager’s Office through
Ginny Sawyer at gsawyer@fcgov.com.
Submission of an Application does not imply
approval. Final approval of a Friendship Cities
Partnership will come through City Council
Resolution and a signed Agreement.
APPROVAL PROCESS
Applications for Friendship City Partnerships
must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office.
If it is determined that the request is reasonable
and beneficial to the City of Fort Collins it will
be forwarded to City Council for formal
consideration.
3 | PAGE
APRIL 2013
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Friendship City Application
To be completed in English by the Requesting Organization
1. Name and Country of the Proposed Partner City or Agency
2. Today’s Date
3. Name of Person Requesting Partnership
Title: ____________________________________
Affiliation: _________________________________
Address: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
4. Rationale
Please explain the rationale and focus of the requested Friendship City Partnership. Describe why a Friendship
City Partnership would be beneficial to the City of Fort Collins and your local community or agency. Please
outline the areas of mutual strength and interest for each of the participating partners. Limit this section to four
pages. Items to include:
• Names, title and affiliations of those who will be involved both in Fort Collins and in the participating
organization,
• Areas of mutual interest upon which the agreement will focus,
• Opportunities for new activities and potential outcomes,
• Benefits and measurable results that the City of Fort Collins and the partner organization expect as a result
of the Partnership.
4 | PAGE
APRIL 2013
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
5. Resources
Please address monetary and in-kind resources that may be necessary to conduct the activities of
the Friendship City Partnership and how they will be obtained and from whom. If none, state “no
funding required.”
6. Profile of the Requesting Partner Organization
A brief profile (two pages or less) of your organization (in English), including background, location, nature,
size, and relevant programs. If available, please include brochures or other written information on the
organization, its operations and/or curriculum, and its staff. [Web information in English is fine for the latter
part, if available; however it should be edited to address the specific nature of the proposed agreement.]
7. Please add any additional information about this Partnership you wish to share and submit this
form to:
5 | PAGE
APRIL 2013
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
To be completed by City of Fort Collins Staff
To be completed by City of Fort Collins Staff
Friendship City Designees
8. City of Fort Collins Designated Representative (Main Contact):
9. Names, title and department of any others from the City of Fort Collins or the Community of Fort
Collins who may be involved in any Partnership activities:
10. Partner Organization Designated Representative:
11. Names, title and department of any others from the Partnership City or Community who will be
partners of the Agreement.
12. Primary Signing Authority for City of Fort Collins (Mayor, City Council Member, etc.):
13. Primary Signing Authority for Partner Abroad (Mayor, City Council Member, etc.):
6 | PAGE
APRIL 2013
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Friendship City Approval Process
Idea Request
Anyone can have an idea for a
Friendship City proposal.
Staff Contact
It is important to identify a City of Fort Collins staff person
to be your main contact.
Application
You and your City contact should complete the attached
Application outlining the rationale and goals for a
Friendship City relationship.
City Council Consideration
Your completed Application will be routed to City Council
through the City manager. If Council approves the idea
they will pass a Resolution.
Develop Agreement
If City Council passes a resolution then a formal
Agreement will be drafted stating the Friendship City
goals, project implementation, and reporting
responsibilities.
Annual Check-in and Reporting
Vila Nova de Famalicao – Fort Collins Draft MOU
NONBINDING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Whereas, The City of Fort Collins, The United States of America, and the City of Vila Nova de
Famalicao, The Portuguese Republic, have established a partnership since 2018 through the
European Union’s International Urban Cooperation (IUC) Program; and
Whereas, The City of Fort Collins and The City of Vila Nova de Famalicao have successfully
collaborated for over eighteen months on the topics of low-carbon mobility, community
engagement and partnership, and circular economy; and
Whereas, The City of Fort Collins and the City of Vila Nova de Famalicao have achieved
agreement through friendly negotiation regarding the areas of interest and cooperation set
forth below, and express intention to promote the friendship and understanding between the
peoples of City of Fort Collins and City of Vila Nova de Famalicao.
NOW THEREFORE, in order to continue the informal collaboration between the City of
Fort Collins and the City of Vila Nova de Famalicao beyond the bounds of the European Union’s
IUC Program and subject to available resources and time by as determined by the governing
bodies of each City, each City hereby commits to:
• Maintain an ongoing dialogue around the areas of collaboration through the IUC
Program.
• Share planning, policy, and program best practices and the status and outcomes of
current efforts both in the fields listed above, as well as beyond those fields.
• Where areas of alignment exist (in mission, vision, values, and workplans), seek external
funding opportunities to collaborate. This may include (but is not limited to):
o Opportunities to attend conferences together
o Learning and technical visits to partner city
o Pilot projects
o Research opportunities
o Community and business/industry exchange
• Maintain a point person within each City to coordinate collaboration for as long as the
MOU is in place.
This Memorandum of Understanding is declared by each City to set forth policy objectives and
understandings, but does not create any binding legal obligation enforceable under United
States, Colorado, European Union, Portuguese or international law.
Signed on October XX, 2020.
ATTACHMENT 3
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RESOLUTION 2020-086
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FRIENDSHIP
CITIES PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS AND VILA NOVA DE FAMALICÃO, PORTUGAL
WHEREAS, the City Council believes in the benefit and richness of sharing and
learning from others; and
WHEREAS, the City has established a Friendship City Partnership process to assist in
the development of more formalized partnerships with international communities; and
WHEREAS, the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has submitted a
Friendship City Partnership Application to the City, highlighting the benefits from past
interactions and collaboration over an 18-month period through the International Urban
Cooperation program; and
WHEREAS, the City and Vila Nova de Famalicão have an interest in strengthening
the friendship ties and cooperation that have already been initiated by both parties; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to support activities and projects that contribute to the
social, environmental and commercial development of both parties, including, but not limited
to, the following areas:
• sustainable economic development and circular economy;
• climate action;
• active mobility and transit;
• employee health and wellness programs;
• work culture;
• customer service to businesses and residents;
• City as a platform;
• City role in economic health, arts and culture, community engagement, shop local
campaigns and affordable housing; and
• any area of cooperation that the parties may agree upon; and
WHEREAS, the parties plan to develop an agreement or memorandum of
understanding (MOU) outlining common goals and outcomes; and
WHEREAS, the two cities have developed cooperative activities to be aligned with
projects already in implementation or planned for implementation and supported by the human
resources already allocated; and
WHEREAS, in the case of new areas of work, the cities will seek grant funding to cover
costs and no financial commitment is made by either party in approving this F riendship City
partnership, nor shall the MOU contain any financial commitments except as may be budgeted
and appropriated by City Council; and
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WHEREAS, City Council has determined that the proposed Friendship City partnership
with Vila Nova de Famalicão meets the criteria of the City’s Friendship City program, and
support of such a partnership is in the best interests of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS, as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes any and all determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby declares its support for the establishment of
a Friendship City Partnership between Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal and the City.
Section 3. That the City Manager is authorized to execute an MOU between the City
and Vila Nova de Famalicão with such terms and conditions as the City Manager, in consultation
with the City Attorney, determines to be necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the
City, effectuate the purposes herein and are not otherwise inconsistent with this Resolution
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
15th day of September, A.D. 2020.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk