Officials from the Town of Superior and Mayors of towns in the Ukraine. Photo by Debbie Torres
The Town of Superior recently welcomed a delegation of five mayors from the Ukraine as part of a leadership exchange coordinated by Global Ties Arizona and the United States State Department. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning about the roles of local government in community building, economic development, and international cooperation.
The visiting mayors toured the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and participated in roundtable discussions at the Superior Multi-Generational Center (old Superior High School), where they exchanged insights with local leaders about the roles and responsibilities of mayors in both Ukraine and the United States. The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by municipal governments in times of crisis and recovery. During the tour of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the dignitaries were able to learn more about the history of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and environmental sustainability and they were able to see the Coatimundi and many native Arizona birds that were on the trails that day.
The delegation also visited the HIVE at the Superior Enterprise Center, where they explored how Superior is supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development in a rural setting. A second roundtable focused on the growing importance of critical minerals, the region’s mining heritage, and how communities like Superior are working to balance economic opportunity with sustainability. The group ended their day with an iconic photo in front of “Sarah” the Saguaro on Main Street.
Mayor Mila Besich emphasized the value of the exchange.
“We were honored to host these resilient and dedicated leaders,” she said. “Their stories are powerful, and their commitment to public service in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. This visit reminds us of the power of local leadership in shaping the future, no matter where you are in the world.”
Members of the Superior Town Council also represented the town including Vice Mayor Michael Alonzo, and Councilmembers Gilbert Aguilar, Amy Byrd, Vanessa Navarrette and Chris Tomerlin. Rebuild Superior Inc. Superior Enterprise Center and the Superior Chamber of Commerce were also represented in the roundtable discussions.
The visit was part of a broader U.S. State Department initiative to build global ties through civic engagement and people-to-people diplomacy.
It was noted that this visit may have been the first international government delegation to visit Superior through the State Department. The visiting mayors from the Ukraine began their visit to America with meetings and tours in Washington D.C., New York City and Lansing, Michigan. During their visit in Arizona, they also visited with members of the Arizona State Legislature and the City of Tolleson. The group spent 12 days in the United States.