The Tacoma City Council has passed a resolution formally designating Split, Croatia, as the City’s newest Sister City, marking a significant milestone in Tacoma’s more than 55-year history of global citizen diplomacy. This move realigns Tacoma’s international partnerships to better reflect the deep ancestral roots many Tacoma residents have in the Dalmatian Coast region.
“Split is an excellent match for Tacoma, sharing similarities in size, coastal geography, and economic drivers such as tourism,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “The strongest link between our communities are the people of Tacoma, many with deep roots in Dalmatia and other parts of Croatia.”
The designation of Split comes after a thoughtful search for a partner city that mirrors Tacoma’s unique attributes. Like Tacoma, Split is a vital port city, though its maritime focus leans toward Adriatic and Mediterranean transportation and ferries, complementing Tacoma’s focus on Asian cargo trade.
To ensure an active and fruitful partnership, this resolution also formally concludes the City’s Sister City relationship with Hvar, Croatia. While a relationship with Hvar was established in 2015, the partnership faced challenges due to a lack of responsiveness from local officials in Hvar, preventing the collaboration from flourishing. The transition to Split, initiated by a Letter of Intent signed by both Mayors in October 2023, represents a commitment to a relationship that is active, responsive, and mutually beneficial.
Sponsored by Mayor Victoria Woodards, this new designation is expected to generate opportunities across several sectors:
- Cultural Exchange: Strengthening the connection for residents of Croatian descent
- Economic Development: leveraging shared interests in port operations and tourism
- Education & Sports: Creating new pathways for youth and student exchanges
More information about Tacoma’s Sister Cities program is available on the City’s website.