Enhancing subnational diplomacy

Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a), as amended by section 8, is further amended by inserting the after subsection (j) following new subsection: (k) Office of Subnational Diplomacy within the Department of State; coordinator as head of the Office; location of the Office (1) Establishment There shall be established in the Department an Office of Subnational Diplomacy. The Office shall enable the Department’s work with subnational governments (State, county, city, and municipal) within the United States to improve the ability of subnational governments to attract foreign investment, counter foreign malign influence within the United States, and contribute to the foreign policy priorities of the United States. (2) Coordinator The head of the Office shall be the Coordinator for Subnational Diplomacy. The head of the office shall report through the Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. (3) Responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities described under paragraph (1), the Coordinator for Subnational Diplomacy shall maintain continuous observation and coordination of all matters pertaining to subnational diplomacy and Department engagements with subnational governments in the conduct of foreign policy, including the following: (A) Advising the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment on subnational engagements within the United States and serve as the principal official on such matters within the Department. (B) Coordinating the Department’s support for local and municipal governments’ engagements with foreign governments. (C) Advising subnational government officials on the potential risks of engagements with countries of concern and share best practices to build resilience against foreign political interference and malign influence. (D) Assisting subnational governments in the following areas: (i) Attracting or bidding to host major international events. (ii) Tracking foreign direct investment at the county and municipal levels to highlight trends and opportunities. (iii) Attracting foreign direct investment and other forms of economic cooperation. (iv) Building the capacity and knowledge of subnational government staff who have responsibility for engaging with foreign countries. (v) Advancing sports diplomacy with foreign countries and entities. (vi) Implementing programs to cooperate with foreign governments and entities on policy priorities or managing shared resources. (vii) Understanding the local implications of foreign policy developments or policy changes. (E) Supporting the economic interests of the United States through subnational engagements, in consultation and coordination with other relevant agencies. (F) Advising and informing local officials as they negotiate agreements and memoranda of understanding with foreign governments related to subnational engagements and priorities. (G) Coordinating subnational engagements with associations of subnational elected leaders, including the United States Conference of Mayors, National Governors Association, National League of Cities and similar associations. (H) Performing other such duties as the Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs and the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may from time to time designate. (4) Location The Office of Subnational Diplomacy shall be co-located with the Office of Foreign Missions—Los Angeles, authorized under section 203(4) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 4303(4))..