In the 1950’s, in an effort to create an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation, many cities, counties and states in the USA began affiliations with those in other nations. In 1956, when President Eisenhower proposed the People-to-People program, the affiliations developed into a national initiative. The Sister Cities program began as part of the National League of Cities, but due to its rapid growth and popularity, became a separate, non-profit organization in 1967 called Sister Cities International (SCI). Today, the SCI network represents more than 2,500 communities with some 137 countries around the world. Bellevue joined this effort in 1969 when the city of Yao, Japan, became its first Sister City and the Bellevue Sister Cities Association was officially established!

In 1984 Hualien, Taiwan became Bellevue’s second Sister City.

In 1992 Liepāja, Latvia became Bellevue’s third Sister City.

In 1993 Kladno, Czech Republic became Bellevue’s fourth Sister City.

In 2019 Bellevue Sister Cities Association will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary as an organization and it’s 50th anniversary of being a Sister City to Yao, Japan!

Over the years citizens of Bellevue have become involved in cultural, governmental, economic and student exchanges with the citizens of these cities. By building on these people-to-people friendships we further the effort to advance global understanding and cooperation.