Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
Overview
Known as the city of roses and the riviera of Lake Zurich, our Friendship City of Rapperswil-Jona is located on the upper end of Lake Zurich. This medieval city boasts beautiful scenic vistas, a rich cultural life, hiking trails and water sports in a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere.
The 100 year old circus company, Circus Knie was founded in Rapperswil-Jona. Sarasota also shares a long circus history.
In the vehicle-free medieval center of Rapperswil-Jona, discover a castle with a Polish museum, Knies Children’s Zoo, and nearby a picturesque lake resort, and a wooden bridge to Hurden.
Grateful thanks to former CD, Nelly Camardo and former ACD, Charlotte Hull for their dedicated service on the initial work to forge a Friendship City with Rapperswil-Jona.
Standing: Frienship City
Since: 2017
Contact: City Director, Pauline Mitchell
City Leadership
Rapperswil-Jona’s city council comprises seven members, including the school president and the head of the construction, transport, and environment department, who are ex officio members of the executive branch. The mayor and she work full-time, while the other members contribute to a 25% workload. Until the close of 2006, the Jona local council and Rapperswil city council operated independently.
Notably, Rapperswil-Jona stands as the largest Swiss city without a parliament. Political matters find discourse at the citizens’ meeting, held two to three times annually, with new civil rights outlined in the updated city regulations.