Hillsborough Forms Friendship Cities Partnership With Praiano, Italy

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township has entered a formal Friendship Cities partnership with Praiano, Italy, launching a cultural, educational and civic relationship between the two municipalities.

The agreement was announced during a presentation at the Tuesday Township Committee meeting after action in both communities completed the framework for the pact.

According to the township, the initiative began in May on Italy's Amalfi Coast.

Former Hillsborough Mayor and current Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera was introduced to Praiano Mayor Anna Maria Caso by La Maurella Hotel manager Michele Di Martino, and a conversation about shared municipal priorities developed into an official effort to connect the two towns.

The township said Praiano's Municipal Executive approved a resolution on Monday and the Hillsborough Township Committee later confirmed the agreement.

The partnership will focus on bilateral educational and training projects for youth, the exchange of municipal best practices and the promotion of tourism.

The township also said Ferrera and Caso found they shared similar views on financial stability, tourism management and support for older residents and individuals with special needs.

"It is with deep emotion and great pride that, on behalf of the Administration and the community of Praiano, I wish to thank the town of Hillsborough, in the person of Anthony Ferrera, following the resolution of the Municipal Executive with which we have officially initiated our Friendship Pact," said Praiano Mayor Anna Maria Caso. "The signing of this agreement represents not only a formal act, but the beginning of a shared journey. Friendship pacts not only unite institutions, but the hearts and stories of people. This is the true value of the global community we want to build."

"We are very excited for our two towns as we continue moving forward with this meaningful friendship agreement," said Ferrera. "We are genuinely excited about the relationship being built between our communities and the opportunities it will create going forward, particularly in sharing our administrative practices and creating new paths for our youth."

Mayor Catherine Payne also welcomed the agreement.

"Hillsborough is proud to open this new chapter of international friendship with Praiano," Payne said. "Our township shares a deep appreciation for culture, community, and heritage, and we look forward to the wonderful opportunities this partnership will bring to our residents and future generations."

The agreement establishes a formal international connection between the township and the Italian town, with youth programming, municipal exchanges and tourism among its stated goals.