The Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation partnered with the City of Highland Park and the North Shore Water Reclamation District to facilitate an international water management exchange with Highland Park’s sister city, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This collaboration highlights how Sister Cities International members create meaningful opportunities for professional exchange, knowledge-sharing, and cross-border cooperation.
In collaboration with Eduardo Martinez, president of the Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee, Highland Park welcomed five directors from SEAPAL Vallarta for a two-day exchange focused on sharing expertise, exploring best practices, and strengthening international cooperation in water management.
SEAPAL Vallarta provides potable water, sewerage, and sanitation services to Puerto Vallarta. Directors Enrique Peredo, Jose Manuel Villaseñor, Francisco René Segura, Jesus Mario Corrales, and Alejandro Padilla met with Highland Park officials and water management professionals to exchange knowledge, compare approaches, and learn from one another’s experiences.
The exchange began at Highland Park City Hall, where Mayor Nancy Rotering welcomed the delegation. City Manager Ghida Neukirch, Public Works Director Ron Bannon, and Christine Icasiano, Finance and Customer Service Manager, introduced the delegation to Highland Park’s local government and water operations. Discussions covered sustainable practices, water billing, and providing services to neighboring communities.
The delegation then toured Highland Park’s Water Treatment Plant with Water Plant Superintendent Don Jensen, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s water treatment operations.
The exchange continued at the North Shore Water Reclamation District’s Clavey Road facility, where NSWRD Trustee Rhoda Pierce, Executive Director Dave Miller, Director of Laboratory Services Chuck Bodden, and members of the District team shared their expertise and led a tour of the facility.
At the conclusion of the exchange, Mayor Rotering presented the delegation with certificates recognizing their contributions as global partners in water management. City Councilwomen Annette Lidawer and Yumi Ross also attended, representing the City Council.
This month’s Member Highlight showcases the impact of Sister Cities partnerships in action. By connecting local government leaders and water management professionals across borders, Highland Park and Puerto Vallarta are demonstrating how citizen diplomacy can facilitate the exchange of expertise, strengthen international relationships, and help communities learn from one another to address shared challenges.
