A landmark new Sister City partnership will be signed between Brisbane and the world’s next host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Los Angeles.
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.
It is the first Sister City relationship for Brisbane in 16 years and builds on the city’s growing international reputation as one of the world’s best destinations to live, work and visit.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass met today to discuss the important new arrangement between the cities.
They 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.
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.
Los Angeles, globally recognised as the “City of Angels”, is home to around 3.88 million people. Its greater metropolitan area ranks as the world’s third-largest economic centre, behind only New York and Tokyo.
If greater Los Angeles were a standalone nation, it would rank comfortably among the world’s top 15 economies. It is widely regarded as the epicentre of the global entertainment industry, celebrated for its cultural diversity and iconic landmarks.
Under Mayor Bass’ leadership, the city is leveraging the 2028 Games to reimagine its infrastructure, strengthen community resilience and expand opportunities for all Angelenos under a “Games for All” approach.
Brisbane currently has nine other Sister City agreements, which are:
– Kobe (established 1985)
– Auckland (1988)
– Shenzhen (1992)
– Semarang (1993)
– Kaohsiung (1997)
– Daejeon (2002)
– Chongqing (2005)
– Abu Dhabi (2009)
– Hyderabad (2010)
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“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.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass
“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.
“This partnership with Brisbane strengthens our global relationships and ensures the Games leave a lasting legacy on our communities.”
Quotes attributable to Brisbane Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper
“This important sister-city agreement strengthens economic and trade ties between Brisbane and Los Angeles as both cities prepare to host Olympic and Paralympic Games and we congratulate the Lord Mayor and his team for taking this initiative.
“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.
“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.”
Quote attributable to AmCham CEO April Palmerlee
“This partnership between Brisbane and Los Angeles is a natural fit.
“These are two outward looking, globally connected cities that understand the Olympics are not just about a moment in time, but about long term economic and community impact.
“A Sister City relationship creates a practical platform for deeper business links, investment flows, talent exchange, and cultural connection.
“Done well, it brings real benefits to businesses on both sides and helps our communities grow closer in meaningful, lasting ways.”
Quotes attributable to Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams
“This Sister City agreement is a smart and timely step for Brisbane, with the insights of a city like Los Angeles playing an important role as we plan for growth, delivery and long-term legacy.
“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.”
Quote attributable to David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral
“This is a huge win for Brisbane.
“In just over two years the Olympic and Paralympic baton will pass from LA to Brisbane, and as it does, billions of eyeballs will turn towards our great evolving city.
“This opportunity, paired with LA’s powerful global relevance across countless industries can deliver a once-ever leverage opportunity for Brisbane and the people that live here in the lead up to 2032 and well beyond.”
