USAID is excited to launch our very first Local Capacity Strengthening (LCS) Policy. We are inviting you to participate in our virtual launch event on Wednesday, October 19 from 8:00am to 9:00am EDT, hosted by the USAID Deputy Administrator Paloma Adams-Allen. You can register for the event here. The event will be recorded and live-streamed on YouTube, and the recording will be available to the public. The LCS Policy reaffirms USAID’s commitment to local capacity strengthening by laying out seven principles to guide USAID humanitarian assistance and development programming. While approaches to capacity strengthening vary by sector and context, the LCS Policy gives the Agency a shared framework to inform programming — including for urban populations — that builds upon the existing strengths of local actors and systems, responds to dynamic local priorities, and aligns with USAID strategic aims. This is inclusive of urban and peri-urban areas, which are a prime locus of locally-led development and require specialized engagement at the local and hyperlocal levels.