Tyler Sister Cities, Inc.
Our purpose is to establish relationships throughout the world, to enhance world peace, through international understanding, and to further educational, vocational, civic, social and governmental relationships with sister cities.
Since the creation of Tyler Sister Cities in 1982-83, Tyler, Texas has “twinned” with several sister cities and is actively engaged with exchange opportunities today.
Metz, France, the original sister partner, has since accepted ties with larger communities matching its own city population and development.
Yachiyo City, Japan; Jelenia Góra, Poland; Lo Barnechea, Chile; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Liberia, Costa Rica are currently involved in the Tyler Sister Cities program, offering citizen-to-citizen visits and friendship ties.
Tyler Sister Cities, Inc., has an open membership policy with a modest dues structure for support from individuals, families, students, and corporate members. A board of 20 members represents the Tyler community with ties to business, education, health care and culture. The Board meets monthly, to plan with community input, exchange visits with Sister City delegations and increase visibility of Sister City issues. Tyler Sister Cities and the Yachiyo Board of Education, jointly cooperate to provide Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions in Yachiyo, Japan.
Mission
To share our beliefs in personal connections through Tyler’s cultural, educational, business, and information exchanges with others while understanding and learning what makes our Sister Cities great communities.
Vision
Tyler Sister Cities is dedicated on showcasing our natural beauty, arts and culture, business, education, synergy amongst medical services and educational institutions, and community development.
Values
Our members serve as ambassadors of our community to cultivate relationship and provide citizen diplomacy with our counterparts in other cities and share that experience with others.
- History of Tyler Sister Cities, Inc. Learn more →
- Past Presidents of Tyler Sister Cities Learn more →
City of Tyler
From humble beginnings 150 years ago on a piece of high ground that is now the town square, Tyler has grown to be the largest community in East Texas. Boasting an MSA population of over 225,000, Tyler offers the cultural diversity, quality education, health care, and recreational opportunities of a large city with the hometown friendliness and quality of life of a small community.
Tyler offers many reasons to visit and many more to stay. The springtime finds Tyler covered in the vivid colors created by the azaleas, dogwoods, and spring flowers. The arrival of the flowers is celebrated by the annual Tyler Azalea and Spring Flowers Trails in March and April. After the azaleas peak, then the roses begin their annual visit to bear proof that Tyler is “The Rose Capital of America”. The entire month of October, Tyler celebrates Rose Season with community events including the pinnacle event the Texas Rose Festival, which happens the third weekend of October.
Tyler offers a wide variety of educational opportunities. The Tyler Independent School District (TISD) which serves the community is rated 4A. In addition to TISD, private and parochial school systems offer complete pre-school to 12th grade programs. Tyler is also home to Tyler Junior College, Texas College, and the University of Texas at Tyler. These institutions offer undergraduate as well as masters degree programs.
Tyler also boasts an active fine and performing arts community. The East Texas Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1936 and performs several concerts throughout the year as well as special non-subscription performances. Tyler enjoys a first-class performing arts center on the campus of UT Tyler with The Cowan Center. Tyler Civic Theatre features 5 plays a season and a melodrama every April. Tyler Children’s School of Performing Arts offers a variety of children’s and adult productions throughout the season. Located on the campus of Tyler Junior College, the Tyler Museum of Art contains three galleries featuring a growing permanent collection of 19th and 20th century art and photography as well as special exhibits on loan.
Serving as the health care center for East Texas, Tyler is home to some of medicine’s most advanced care. Tyler has four hospitals including a Level I trauma center. The medical community also offers a wide range of support services including nursing agencies, in-home health services, medical equipment providers, volunteer health organizations and support groups.
Recreational activities abound in and around Tyler. We are surrounded by 25 prime sporting lakes offering wonderful opportunities for fishing and boating. Golf enthusiasts will find a variety clubs in the immediate area, providing a delightful mix of private and public courses. City of Tyler also offers 25 city parks, with playgrounds, athletic fields, walking and bicycle trails, and many more perks. Finally, Tyler State Park offers families 985 acres of woods around a beautiful spring-fed lake. You can boat, swim, picnic, or pitch a tent.
Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International, of which Tyler Sister Cities is a member, was begun by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a people to people personal diplomacy project in 1956.
Sister Cities International represents about 2,400 communities involved with 130 countries around the world. International headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
The larger mission statement holds that “Everyone has the power to make a difference.” Our focus is not just on “high level exchanges behind closed doors among political leaders, but citizen diplomacy on a personal level” through Sister City relationships.
Tyler Sister Cities 
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