The Homer City Council at their last regular meeting on Feb. 10 took steps to establish a more permanent funding source to support sister city cultural exchanges between Homer and Teshio, Japan.

Resolution 25-011 authorizes the establishment of a Field of Interest Fund through the Homer Foundation to ensure long-term sustainability and provide a “secure, transparent and efficient means of managing the Sister City Program’s financial resources.”

The resolution further directs city staff to coordinate with the Homer Foundation to establish the fund and encourages community outreach efforts to promote public donations to the fund. Initial contributions to the fund balance will be made from existing funds previously allocated by the city for the Sister City Program.

The Homer Foundation is also mandated to provide regular reports on the fund to the council. These reports will also be made publicly accessible “to ensure transparency and accountability.”

Funds will accessible through grant requests through the Homer Foundation and be used “solely for expenses directly related to the Sister City Program,” the resolution states, including but not limited to cultural exchanges, educational programs, official delegations and community events that “strengthen international partnerships.”

Grant requests of $5,000 or more will also require formal approval from the city council before funds are disbursed.

Sponsored by council member Caroline Venuti, the resolution was passed as part of the Feb. 10 consent agenda, and no discussion was held on the item during the regular meeting.

Find Resolution 25-011 in full online at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/citycouncil/city-council-regular-meeting-337.

To donate to the Sister City Program of Homer Fund, visit www.homerfoundation.org/ for more information.