Strengthening Local Government

Annual surveys demonstrate that citizens’ faith in the benefits of democracy is enhanced when their local governments offer better services in a transparent and participatory fashion. For this reason USAID supports the consolidation of democracy by seeking to bolster institutional planning and management capabilities in local governments and by assisting them in generating additional resources so that they may better serve their constituents.

The Mission provides technical assistance to local governments to improve services and infrastructure, in areas such as solid waste collection and disposal, urban planning, slaughterhouses, rural road maintenance, water and sewer systems, education, and health.

Moreover, improved finances and service provision are targeted as the underpinnings of programs focused on promoting citizen engagement, transparency, accountability and integrity in local government.

Local government sustainability is also encouraged through efforts to facilitate cooperation between municipal and departmental governments. Participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in decision-making and oversight is also a key element of program sustainability.

One of the mechanisms used to provide assistance to local government is the Global Development Alliance (GDA). In a GDA different actors from the private and public sectors share resources to improve local governance by investing in projects that aim to improve standards of living at the local level.

Our program on royalties, has a new website.

http://www.transparenciaenroyalties.org.py/