Municipal Governance Program

The purpose of the municipal governance program is to create effective, responsive, democratic, transparent, accountable and gender sensitive municipal governance in Afghanistan. Through the municipal governance program, USAID will help the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA): (1) clarify the local governance framework; (2) provide responsive policy guidance and assistance to sub-national entities; (3) strengthen the legal, fiscal, economic and service delivery functions of municipalities; and (4) foster greater citizen participation in municipal governance. As a result of municipal governance assistance, Afghan citizens will know where to turn to for better delivery of services, will understand the responsibilities of local governance leaders, will play an active role in the decision making process and will see local governance structures as legitimate. To meet these objectives, USAID envisions working in 30-40 municipalities (inclusive of Kabul) and will be releasing a request for proposal in early 2009.