The group was headed by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and was organized by the local nonprofit, Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.
The group visited both Ōmihachiman in Shiga Prefecture, Japan and Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea, Grand Rapids’ newest sister city,
Bliss said visiting the cities is important not only for the local government, but for community members who have personal ties to South Korea and Japan.
“You know we have a growing Asian-American community here and a lot of individuals who are active in our sister cities organization, they have personal ties," she said. "I think making sure that we develop those relationships and learn from not just their community but also their culture, I think that’s really important.“
Bliss said the group was able to experience how both cities handle common issues such as growth and housing. The group also met with leaders and businesses from each city.
City Manager Mark Washington, who was part of the delegation, said in a press release, the oversees trip revealed the value of each Sister City partnership.
“While establishing formal partnerships and dialog with these communities through the Sister Cities framework is important, there is something truly special about our personal interaction and direct communication with leaders and officials from Ōmihachiman and Gangnam-gu,” he said.
Washington said members were able to discuss ways they can work on common community and economic development issues that both cities share.
"We also discussed how they address mobility, housing and density concerns. Mayor Bliss and I extended an invitation to their delegations to visit Grand Rapids and look forward to welcoming them here in the future to showcase our community,” he said.
According to the city of Grand Rapids, travel costs for the group were either fundraised or arranged for by individual travelers .