The City of Austin’s Economic Development Department is pleased to announce the signing of a Friendship Cities Agreement between Austin, Texas, and Greater Manchester, England—marking a new chapter in international collaboration between the two cities. The agreement was signed on March 7, by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at a ceremony at Austin City Hall.

Under this agreement, the cities will collaborate in key areas including economic development, innovation, science and technology, education, tourism, arts and music, and urban development. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, business connections, and cultural exchanges that benefit residents and businesses in both cities.

“This Friendship Cities Agreement with Greater Manchester is more than just a document—it’s a bridge between two innovation-driven, culture-rich cities,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “Austin thrives on creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection, and Greater Manchester mirrors that energy. By joining forces, we are setting the stage for incredible collaborations that will inspire growth and opportunity in both cities."

A series of cultural and business exchanges will kick off with a focus on music. The first event under the agreement is the Austin Music Trade Alliance Kick-Off on Sunday, March 9, a free community concert at SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake. Greater Manchester’s OneDa will perform alongside Austin-based bands to celebrate the Austin Music Trade Alliance, an ongoing partnership between SXSW and the City of Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment to foster lasting industry connections for touring, recording, publishing, and licensing.

• Date & Time: Sunday, March 9 | 3–7 p.m.

• Location: Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

“Austin and Manchester have so much in common. We are the fastest-growing cities in the UK and U.S., but we’re also places with a real focus on people, music, culture and everything that makes life great. We don't just adapt to change—we lead it,” says Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. “The Friendship Cities Agreement is the beginning of something really exciting. Whether in tech, music, or business, we are ready to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and create opportunities that will benefit businesses and residents on both sides of the Atlantic.” 

The Friendship Cities Agreement encourages direct engagement between government agencies, businesses, and cultural organizations in both cities. It also establishes an annual implementation plan to guide collaboration efforts and measure progress. Future plans include a visit to Manchester next year, which is expected to further strengthen ties and explore the possibility of elevating the relationship to a formal Sister City designation. 

With this agreement, Austin now has 14 Sister Cities and 2 Friendship Cities. The Austin Sister Cities Program is managed by Austin Sister Cities International (ASCI), a community-led initiative comprising dedicated volunteers who oversee the relationships through various committees. 

 
To learn more about the Economic Development Department's Global Business Expansion Division, please visit our website. 

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About the City of Austin Economic Development Department    
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.   

Información sobre del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin  
El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin fomenta el crecimiento empresarial, las industrias creativas y las comunidades locales. Estos programas construyen una economía equitativa y sostenible que enriquecen las vidas de los habitantes de Austin. Para obtener más información acerca de recursos útiles, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd y suscríbase a nuestro boletín. Conéctese con nosotros en @AustinEconDev en Facebook  y @AustinEconDev en X  y @AustinEconDev en YouTube.