Brisbane City Council has announced a new landmark Sister City partnership with the world’s next host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Los Angeles.
The Council says the agreement with Los Angeles will be critical in helping build a lasting legacy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in just over six years’ time.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner and Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, met today to discuss the important new arrangement between the cities.
“We’re just over six years away from becoming an Olympic city and there’s no better partner for Brisbane than the next Olympic host, Los Angeles,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“Like us, Los Angeles is leveraging the Games to create a better city for its residents, investing in infrastructure and projects that will leave a positive legacy.
“We want our Games to be great, but more importantly we want the legacy for our city to be even greater.
“Learning from other Olympic cities like Los Angeles is absolutely critical.
“Through this Sister City agreement, we will be able learn from each other and build closer ties that will benefit our residents and local business.
“This is a big deal and Brisbane now has an incredible opportunity to work with a global economic powerhouse and build a better Brisbane for today, the Games and beyond.”
The two local government leaders signed an Intent to Establish a Sister City Relationship letter ahead of the finalisation of the formal agreement.
Under the agreement, Brisbane and Los Angeles will share information about policy operations and innovation, undertake joint research and projects to build organisational capacity, facilitate business delegations and joint tourism promotions and share cultural and educational programs.
The nine key focus areas of the new Brisbane-Los Angeles agreement are:
- Civic administration
- Urban planning and mobility
- International and multicultural engagement
- Economic development, trade and investment
- Digital and technology innovation
- Liveability and community development
- Cultural, educational, youth and sporting initiatives
- Major events and tourism promotion
- Resilience and Sustainability
The new partnership will mark Los Angeles’ first and only Australian Sister City relationship.
“Los Angeles is not just preparing to host the world in 2028 – we are leading on sustainability, housing, and economic development, setting a standard for how Host Cities can collaborate and innovate together,” said Mayor Bass.
“This partnership with Brisbane strengthens our global relationships and ensures the Games leave a lasting legacy on our communities.”
Under the Sister City agreement, Brisbane and Los Angeles will also liaise with other levels of government, business and industry bodies to deliver economic outcomes that benefits residents locally and help businesses thrive.
The Mayors also signed an official Memorandum of Understanding on Olympic Cooperation to work collaboratively on emerging challenges and to maximise the opportunity of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.
The agreement will focus on similar areas to the new Sister City arrangement, ensuring the benefits of hosting the Games are felt across both cities communities and economies.
Brisbane Chamber Queensland CEO, Heidi Cooper said the sister-city agreement will strengthen economic and trade ties between Brisbane and Los Angeles.
“LA is one of the world’s great cities and this arrangement will elevate the profile of Brisbane – and Queensland – as a global centre for business, investment and international collaboration,” she said.
“For Queensland businesses, this agreement opens doors to new markets, stronger international networks, and real commercial opportunities.
“Through Business Chamber Queensland’s already existing relationship with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, we have gained significant insights into how businesses can prepare for and maximise the economic benefits of major global events like the Games.
“We understand first-hand the value these arrangements can bring.
“Building on that knowledge and experience will help ensure the state’s business community is ready to capitalise on every opportunity as preparations for the Games accelerate.”
Committee for Brisbane CEO, Jen Williams said the agreement is a smart and timely step for Brisbane.
“Los Angeles’ experience as a global city and major events host offers clear value for Brisbane as planning for the 2032 Games continues.
“Well‑established city‑to‑city relationships have supported Brisbane in attracting investment, building capability and creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.
“This new, long-term partnership with Los Angeles reinforces Brisbane’s growing international profile and will support the creation of valuable networks for trade, investment, research and collaboration.”
