HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/14/2026 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FOR THE
SISTER CITIES ADVISORY BOARD
January 14, 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Roll Call
Present:
• Ross Chambless
• Matilyn Mortensen
• Sheri Sorenson
• Ahimara Suarez
• Rose Kjesbo
• Annie Quan
• Jane Kim
• Stacee Adams
• John Wilson
• Nicole Gallo
Staff Present:
• Olivia Johnson
Approval of the November 5, 2025, Sister Cities Board Minutes
Board Member Quan motioned, Board Member Mortensen seconded, unanimous
approval.
Public Comment
No public comments were provided.
Business
Marcus Lee, Community Reinvestment Agency Project Coordinator, presented about the
history, current status, and future of the Japantown Visioning Project and downtown
entertainment district development plans.
He shared about the streetscape and vegetation plans being developed to help facilitate
the outdoor festivals on the street and explained the placemaking and art elements being
planned.
Possible opportunities to connect with Matsumoto in the design process include the design
of manhole covers, based on those commonly found in Japan, the planting of Cherry
Blossom trees, art elements on the sidewalk and planters, and murals.
Possible grant funding or capital campaigns to raise funds for these elements were
discussed as options to highlight the Japanese-American experience unique to Japantown
in Salt Lake City and to create a streetscape that honors the past and can be enjoyed by
future generations.
Staff Report
Sister Cities International U.S.Japan Impact Grant
Olivia Johnson noted that the grant application was being finalized.
Matusmoto Video
Olivia Johnson noted that staff in Matsumoto requested a short video introduction of Salt
Lake City. She encouraged Board members to contribute and described the plans for
filming from different partners around the city.
2025 Annual Report
Olivia Johnson noted that the Annual Report was due by the end of the month to share with
the Mayor and City Council.
Quezon City
Olivia Johnson noted that the return of Quezon City to full Sister City status was approved
by the Mayor and City Council and that planning for an event to celebrate the milestone
would begin later in the spring.
Events
Olivia Johnson noted that Sister Cities was again planning to table at Nihon Matsuri on April
25, 2026. The Board discussed the feasibility of other tabling events around the area,
including Living Traditions.
Strategic Planning
Olivia Johnson asked the Board about the frequency of meetings and how members would
like to approach strategic planning. Members decided to work on strategic planning at the
next meeting.
OPMA Training
Olivia Johnson reminded the board to complete their OPMA trainings as soon as possible
and send in completed certificates to staff.
Adjournment
Board Member Quan motioned to adjourn, Board Member Mortensen seconded,
unanimous approval.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
aj�A-
Ross Chambless, Co-Chair
This document and the recording constitute the official minutes of the Economic
Development Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting held on January 14, 2026.