Greater Manchester signs Friendship Cities Agreement with Austin, Texas

Greater Manchester leaders have signed a Friendship Cities Agreement with the State Capital of Texas, Austin, during a visit to the city.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson to promote economic and cultural ties between the two cities. The agreement is the first such partnership by a UK city-region in Texas following the state’s signing of Statement of Mutual Cooperation on economic development and trade with the UK government in March 2024.

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

Alongside signing the agreement, the trip also saw Greater Manchester leaders and business representatives attend the South by South West (SXSW) global tech and culture conference.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“Austin and Manchester have so much in common. We are the fastest-growing cities in the UK and US 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.

“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.”

A series of cultural and business exchange initiatives are planned, starting with musicians and music venues in the first year. Representatives from both cities will have the opportunity to engage in exchange programs, strengthening connections between Greater Manchester and Austin’s live music scenes.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said:

“This agreement is a statement of intent between the fastest-growing cities in the United States and Europe respectively. Our relationship is underpinned not just by our status as cultural trailblazers, but also our shared strengths across the likes of science and tech, and the creative industries.

“Our first Mission to Austin in 2023 gave this significant traction, and now is the right time to formalise our collaboration – accelerating already impressive business and cultural exchange, and nurturing the valued civic connection between Austin and Greater Manchester.”

Kirk Watson, Mayor of Austin has declared 7 March ‘Greater Manchester Day’ in Austin and committed to visiting our city-region in June 2026.

Mayor of Austin Kirk Watson (pictured signing the agreement alongside Andy Burnham) said:

“This Friendship Cities Agreement with Greater Manchester is more than just a document—it’s a bridge between two innovation-driven, culture-rich cities.

“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.”