Calvert County Considers Official “Twinning” Relationship With Broome Island, England

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County’s Broomes Island might have a “twin” across the pond.

Back in January, Calvert County government received correspondence from the Broome Island Community Interest Company (CIC), Leicestershire, England, proposing a formal “twinning” relationship between Broome Island (U.K.) and Broomes Island in Calvert County.

The Department of Planning & Zoning requested at the July 21 meeting Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting that the Board of County Commissioners acknowledge the proposal from the group in the U.K. and give them permission to respond and to seek more meetings and more information.

A “twinning” jurisdiction is a formal partnership between two municipalities or regions, often in different countries, established to promote cultural, educational and economic exchange. These relationships are typically symbolic and collaborative in nature, featuring well-known “sister cities,” and can help create goodwill, shared learning opportunities and connections, including joint events and student exchanges.

Department of Planning & Zoning staff met with the Broomes Island Civic League on April 21 to discuss this opportunity and reported to the BOCC that they received positive community feedback from residents about the “twinning” proposal. The Broomes Island Civic League expressed interest in exploring next steps.

Planner I Katie Strauss said they’re not sure what the CIC’s plans are for the twinning relationship, but they’re eager to find out.

“They’re very interested in this project and brought ideas to me on how we already connect with England,” Strauss said.

Strauss and her team will update the BOCC with additional developments on the project in future meetings.

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