Founded in 1981 by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commission, the Sister Cities Program is currently administered by the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium. The program has established sister cities relationships with twenty-two cities in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Throughout these years, the program has developed innovative projects, which have furthered international cooperation and understanding between Miami-Dade County and our respective sister cities. Under the leadership of Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the program has helped to promote Miami-Dade's position as the Gateway to the Americas.

The Mayor and the members of the Board of County Commissioners appoint citizen volunteers who serve on the Coordinating Council. In addition, the chairs of each of the twenty-two sister cities committees also serve on the Coordinating Council. The Council advises the Mayor on program issues and concerns, assists the Mayor in developing his international trade and commerce agenda, and provides coordination for the overall program. The Council elects a Chair and Vice Chair to a two-year term of office.

Currently, the Chair of the Miami-Dade County Sister Cities Coordinating Council is Ms. Shelly Smith-Fano.

The Miami-Dade Sister Cities Program consists of the following cities:

Mr. J.A. “Tony” Ojeda, Jr. is the Executive Director of the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium (ITC), which administers the Sister Cities Program. Mr. Adam Peters is the Sr. Sister Cities Coordinator, and provides coordination and support to the Sister Cities Program. Ms. Mayda Rescendi is the Program Assistant, and Ms. Vivian Romero is the Secretary.