USAID launches 5-year, $21 mln programme for effective, accountable governance in Georgia

The United States Agency for International Development announced on Friday the signing of a five-year, $21 million programme that facilitates "more effective and accountable" local governance in support of Georgia’s ongoing decentralisation reforms. 

The USAID Local Governance Programme is described as recognising the potential of elected officials and civil servants to more effectively manage service provision and to ensure that local governments are accountable to members of their community. It also prioritises the role of local civil society and citizen engagement in decision-making at the local level. 

USAID designed the programme to support Georgia’s Local Government Decentralisation Strategy. Specifically, USAID will select 22 municipalities using objective criteria to receive targeted assistance. 

"In each municipality, both sakrebulos and local executive agencies will receive tailored, in-depth assistance to improve inclusive governance and provide the services that citizens need to enhance their quality of life and create economic growth opportunities in their communities”, USAID said.

The Agency also said it would offer grants to local civil society organisations, private businesses, youth, and other individuals in the municipalities to “empower them to engage with local governments and participate in decision-making and government accountability”.