Sister Cities Commission

The West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission assists the City Council in fostering international relationships that promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.

Our Objectives

The Commission works to achieve the following goals:

  • Mutual Understanding: Helping citizens of West Des Moines and our sister cities acquire a mutual understanding of one another as individuals and members of the global community.
  • Cultural Exchange: Promoting educational and cultural exchanges between local institutions and those in our sister cities.
  • Economic Facilitation: Coordinating communication and trade inquiries between businesses in the Des Moines metropolitan area and international partners.
  • Skill Sharing: Assisting individuals and educational institutions in exchanging professional and technical skills.
  • Global Awareness: Developing awareness of the International Sister Cities Program to create a bridge of understanding between different cultures.

Commission Members

Jeffrey Lipman (chair)

Erika Cook

Brian Crotty

Tamara Lawson Schuster

Kannan Raghavan

Jim Sandager

Kenn Yu