City of Lakewood signs Letter of Intent with China sister city, Danzhou.

Today, September 23, members of the Lakewood City Council met with a trade delegation from China to sign a mutual Letter of Intent, a step toward firming up the sister city relationship with Lakewood.  

Jason Whalen, City of Lakewood Mayor said “Today we welcome the delegation from Danzhou, from the province of Hainan, China, a sister city, and we had a wonderful opportunity to exchange information about their significant investment in their deepwater port.”  

Becky Newton, Lakewood Economic Development Manager, says that a number of relationships will arise from the meeting about agriculture and outreach, not just commerce. 

Connie Coleman-Lacadie, President of The Lakewood Sister Cities Administration, looks forward to the exchange of students between countries and opening perceptions.

Mayor Whalen explained, “We had representatives from the State Department of Commerce and other organizations that have significant trade interest with China. We also discussed significant cultural exchange including a youth exchange we hope to plan in the summer of 2026. In all it was a wonderful day and it exhibits a fine example that regardless of national politics, local politics and local relationships are where things really happen and grow.”