Cedar Park committee established to explore international partnerships

A new Cedar Park City Council–appointed committee will research possible international business partnerships and sister-city opportunities.

The new committee, formed Aug. 22 and co-chaired by Councilman Jon Lux and Economic Development Director Phil Brewer, will seek ways to advance the city culturally and economically through international relationships. The council also previously discussed establishing a sister-city program with a Chinese community, although the new committee intends to explore all potential partnerships.

"At this time I don't believe Cedar Park should commit to any specific organization or structure," Brewer told City Council, suggesting instead that Cedar Park leverage its existing businesses with international ties.

Mayor Matt Powell said he still likes the prospect of establishing a sister-city program at some point, as he grew up in a California community with ties to a Japanese city.

"And I think this working group can look at that more," Powell said. "But the economic development partnerships are real, and I think we should explore that without looking into any commitments at this time."

Mayor Pro Tem Don Tracy also recommended the city leverage many of the international programs already available through Austin Community College.

"ACC would be a great vehicle for establishing and managing those kinds of interactions," he said.

A first meeting date was not set during the committee's formation.