The $26,000 Japan Trip: What Olympia Officials Spent, and Why It Matters
When a group of seven Olympia city officials and their families returned from a weeklong trip to Kato, Japan, at the end of September, they carried more than souvenirs and cultural memories. They also brought a firestorm of scrutiny over taxpayer spending. Olympia resident Wendy Carlson, a former City Council candidate, publicly questioned whether the city had been transparent about the cost of the sister city exchange, sparking a debate about fiscal responsibility, civic engagement, and the value of international diplomacy.
The city of Olympia confirmed to The Olympian that the trip, which ran from September 28 to October 6, cost $26,303.65 in general fund dollars—far less than the $50,000 Carlson claimed. But the controversy isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the perception of priorities in a city grappling with a $1.6 million budget deficit, and the enduring role of the Sister Cities program in shaping community ties.
The Numbers Behind the Trip
The city’s spokesperson, Brandon Chapman, clarified that the $26,303.65 included $26,050.76 paid to Nippon Travel Agency America for travel arrangements and $252.89 for transportation to Kansai International Airport. Six family members of city officials accompanied the delegation, but they covered their own expenses. Former Mayor Cheryl Selby and former council member Karen Fraser also joined the trip, paying their own way.
Chapman emphasized that the city of Kato and its international association covered “meals, tours, and activities,” including a welcome reception and visits to Kato City Hall. “Meals for only $65.40 each,” he noted, “because of the host city’s contributions.” Carlson’s claim of $50,000, he said, conflated a final cost with a pre-approval estimate, a distinction he called “false and we hope this is done simply due to confusion.”
Yet the debate persists. Carlson, who has long criticized the city’s budget decisions, argued that the trip’s timing—during a fiscal crisis—was the real issue. “It’s not about the dollar amount,” she told The Olympian. “It’s about the appearance of it. Nobody from the city has said, ‘Not a good look. We’re sorry.’”
The Sister Cities Legacy: A 45-Year Tradition
The trip to Kato, a city formed in 2006 by merging former towns including Yashiro, is part of a 45-year-old partnership. Councilmember Paul Berendt, who called the criticism “unnecessary commotion,” reminded residents that the Sister Cities program was established in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote peace through cultural exchange. “Over the past 45 years, hundreds of Olympia high school students have visited Japan through this program,” he said. “It’s a robust initiative that benefits our community.”
The delegation’s itinerary reflected this mission: meetings with Kato city leaders and discussions on disaster preparedness. City Manager Jay Burney described the trip as a “community and cultural exchange,” noting that parks staff joined to explore ideas for relocating the Yashiro Japanese Garden in Olympia.
But not all interactions were academic. Councilmember Clark Gilman’s photos of visiting an instrument wholesaler sparked social media debates about whether taxpayer dollars funded “leisure activities.” Gilman clarified he paid for his early arrival to Japan out of pocket, but the perception of excess lingered.
Olympia Faces Budget Shortfalls Amid Spending Controversy
Olympia’s financial situation adds context to the controversy. The city closed a $6.8 million deficit in 2025 through personnel cuts and a business tax increase, and now faces a $1.6 million shortfall. Carlson’s criticism taps into a broader frustration: why spend nearly $26,000 on a trip when the city is cutting services?
“The appearance of mismanagement matters,” she said. “When you’re in a budget crisis, every dollar counts.”
The city’s response, however, highlights the complexity of such programs. Berendt argued that council members typically receive reimbursement for airfare and hotels, not full coverage. “It’s not a secret or unusual,” he said. “The Sister Cities program has been a significant benefit to our community.”
Yet the debate reveals a tension between idealism and pragmatism. For some, the trip represents a vital link to global understanding. For others, it shows a lack of fiscal accountability.
The Devil’s Advocate: Is the Sister Cities Program Worth the Cost?
Proponents, however, point to the program’s long-term impact. The Yashiro Japanese Garden, a project involving Kato officials, is a physical symbol of this partnership. “These exchanges aren’t just about travel,” said Berendt. “They’re about fostering connections that shape our city’s identity.”
Still, the question remains: Can a city in financial strain afford to prioritize international diplomacy over local needs? The answer, like the trip itself, is far from simple.
What Comes Next: Transparency, Accountability, and the Path Forward
The controversy has forced Olympia to confront a familiar dilemma: How to balance civic engagement with fiscal responsibility. While the city has clarified the trip’s costs, the lack of a public apology or policy shift has left some residents unsatisfied. “Transparency isn’t just about numbers,” said Carlson. “It’s about acknowledging the impact of your choices.”
For now, the Sister Cities program continues. But the trip to Kato has become a case study in the challenges of modern governance—where every decision, no matter how well-intentioned, is scrutinized through the lens of public trust.
As Council Member Kelly Green noted during a council meeting, the delegation’s visit included a moment of quiet reflection at the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple’s “well of youth.” “If you can see your reflection,” she said, “it adds 3 years to your life.”
