LOS ANGELES (Press Release)–The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) signed a major partnership agreement with the Federation of Local Authorities (MASHAM) in Israel, deepening the relationship between the more than 250 local and municipal governments in Israel and the members of SCAG, which includes municipal governments stretching across 191 cities in six counties and encompasses nearly 38,000 square miles of Southern California.
The Israeli-American Nexus (IAX)—a partner organization of the Israeli-American Council (IAC)—served as the facilitator for the agreement, helping to bring together the two signatories and develop the framework through which the partnership will function. Two-way trade between California and Israel totaled more than $4.2 billion in 2014—one of the largest two-way trade relationships between Israel and a single U.S. state. The initiative seeks to build upon this already-thriving relationship. It will focus on fostering partnership in areas of mutual interest in urban development, safe cities, community diversity, and in particular, on sustainability projects, such as water conservation and sourcing alternative energy.
“This agreement will deepen the existing relationships between Israel and Southern California, bringing together our elected officials and civic servants, and engaging our most talented scientists and innovators to advance progress for people in both states in areas from water resource management to high-tech to sustainable development,” said Shawn Evenhaim, Chairman of the IAX.
The IAX has taken the lead in building innovative partnerships between the State of Israel and state and local governments in the U.S., most recently fostering an agreement between the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and Israel’s Ministry of Science.
“The SCAG region and Israel share many similar characteristics and climate challenges,” said Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director of SCAG. “We are excited to partner with the Federation of Local Authorities, not only to learn and exchange ideas on a more sustainable future, but also because they are an important local voice in Israel—one that also shares the value of collaboration.”
This agreement follows the landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed between the State of California and the State of Israel in 2014, which was developed to advance collaborative innovation through intergovernmental working groups, sister-city relationships, and exchanges between academics, citizens, and policymakers.
The Israeli-American Nexus (IAX) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that advocates to policymakers on behalf of the Israeli-American community. A partner organization of the Israeli-American Council, the IAX works to make the voices of Israeli-Americans heard on a range of issues at the federal, state, and local level.
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Preceding provided by the Israeli-American Nexus