Program Overview
In order to ensure that democratic practices are supported at all levels of government, it is essential to improve governance institutions at the local level first. USAID supports this approach through the Local Democratic Reform Program (LDR), also named “TAWASOL,” which in Arabic means “being connected”. Specifically, the LDR program aims to create an enabling environment for an effective, empowered, and democratic local governance system. It does this first by strengthening the Ministry of Local Government and then by working with other local government institutions at the municipal level. Implemented by CHF International, LDR represents a $21 million, five-year investment by USAID to help the Palestinian Authority better serve its citizenry through transparent and participatory democratic approaches.
Goals
• Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Local Government
• Improve the efficiency and transparency of partner municipalities in service provision
• Enhance democracy and participation in government at the local level
Successes
Enhancement of the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG)
The LDR program aims to help the MoLG assume a leading role in developing vision, policies, regulations, and an institutional framework for democratic local governance in the Palestinian Authority. This is achieved through institutional assessments, strategic planning, training and on-going collaboration with the Ministry.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry has been signed and development activities are underway, signaling a true partnership.
• An Institutional Assessment Report and Development Plan for the Ministry have been completed.
• Organizational models for local governments have been developed. These models are designed to promote efficiency, accountability and horizontal compatibility among Palestinian local governments.
Strengthening Local Government
The program focuses on the ability of local government bodies to deliver and manage community infrastructure and basic services. Specifically, LDR works with municipal leaders to help them prioritize community needs and effectively carry out projects and services. All this is done through democratic and accountable methods that increase public confidence in the local governance system.
• 54 Community Development Projects have been selected by over 1400 representatives across 41 communities.
• 34 Community Development Projects, such as renovating the Kufr Ni’meh Girls School, have been completed. 20 others are underway.
• Strategic development plans are completed for 26 LGUs.
• 1,850 local government officials and their staff have been trained in internal management and external service provision.
Civic Engagement and Participation
At the local level, the LDR program promotes civic participation in the delivery of services and public infrastructure. This component is achieved through hands-on democratic practices such as Youth Shadow Local Councils. The project also promotes other means for municipal leadership and citizens to engage in dialogue on good governance practices.
• Four Youth Shadow Councils have been elected by 1,200 youth across the West Bank. The Four Councils have received leadership training, completed two community development projects in each of their communities, and have hosted and facilitated summer governance activities for 400 youth across the West Bank.
• Communication manuals have been developed in four subjects to help guide LGUs in how to engage citizens in municipal decision-making. This is part of a process aimed at helping local governments become more transparent, accountable and democratic.
• Advocacy campaigns to encourage citizens to pay their fees for municipal services have been launched in Birziet and East Salfeet. This will help improve the quality and spread of municipal services.
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