TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) met Manchester, New Hampshire Mayor Jay P. Ruais on Thursday to discuss housing justice, homelessness, and crime prevention during the first stop of her US visit.
Lu said Taichung and Manchester are both growing cities facing similar challenges. She added that the visit aimed to strengthen policy exchanges and deepen the 37-year sister-city relationship, per Taichung City Government.
CNA reported the two mayors discussed balancing urban development with housing rights and coordinating resources to support homeless people. They also exchanged ideas on city-level anti-drug policies and prevention systems.
Ruais shared Manchester’s experience of increasing police staffing and revising city ordinances to improve public safety. Taichung officials in return, introduced their “three-stage prevention strategy,” which combines education, family support and treatment services.
During the meeting, Lu invited Ruais to visit Taichung in the future to promote further cooperation, UDN reported.
Lu also introduced Taichung as the birthplace of bubble tea, which is popular in Manchester. Ruais said the city is known for inventing chicken tenders and joked the foods would make a good combination.
