Bucharest,
Romania
Since April 1994
Committee Chair: Nick Modares
About
Bucharest
Mayor
Nicușor Dan
1,803,000
Romanian
Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life, Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.
Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means "joy." His flute playing reportedly dazzled the people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.
Bucharest became the capital of Romania in 1862 and is the center of Romanian cultural, industrial and financial center. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of "Little Paris". Although buildings and districts in the historic city center were heavily damaged or destroyed by war, many survived.
Today, the city is a mix of old and new, traditional and modern, in a neoclassical style shows originality and charm. Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and is one of the main industrial centers and transportation hubs of Eastern Europe. In 2012, Bucharest ranked second among Europe’s ‘coolest’ cities, according to the online magazine Slate FR—attributing to its affordability, large student population and quaint neighborhoods where tourists and residents can have fun.
About the Partnership
On October 12, 1994, a delegation from the Atlanta Mayor’s Office traveled to Bucharest and met with the Mayor of Bucharest Crin Halaicu to establish a sister city relationship. The Atlanta-Bucharest Sister City Committee was soon developed to pursue networking, educational, cultural, and economic development opportunities between the two cities. At its inception, the committee worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Romania as well as the Commerce Department to establish strong economic ties between Atlanta and Bucharest.
During the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, the Bucharest Committee was involved with hosting and accommodating the Romanian Olympic Gymnastics Team that won several gold medals.
In June 1998, US Ambassador to Romania James C. Rosapepe visited Atlanta City Hall and joined Atlanta Sister City Commission to discuss future cooperation and identify trade and investment opportunities
Across the past twenty years, Atlanta and Bucharest have implemented a number of best practice exchanges focused on urban development, student exchanges and cultural events.
Recent Activities
2020
To kick of the New Year, the Bucharest Sister Cities Commission held a celebration with the Romanian community in Metro Atlanta.
RomFestAtlanta, an annual fundraising event, was held in October 2020 to celebrate and connect the Romanian community in Atlanta.