Strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and participatory accountable governance are crucial elements for improving peoples’ lives in a sustainable way. In an increasingly urbanized world, these factors contribute to unlocking the potential of cities, particularly through improved urban service delivery.
Better managed cities with improved services promote peace and security; encourage greater investment in people; and increase economic growth. When municipal governments have sufficient resources and are accountable, they are more likely to provide timely and efficient services. Collaboration between levels of government, along with civil society, helps to optimize service delivery. Community participation in demanding and designing improved service delivery can be achieved through transparent, accountable, and democratic institutions.
USAID supports building the capacity of poorly managed cities so that they are better equipped to handle the impacts of urban growth. This includes strengthening the capacity of local authorities to manage and govern better, helping to build the foundation for increased access to market-oriented finance and to improved urban service delivery. USAID’s capacity development programs aimed at increasing the creditworthiness of local governments through improved planning and financial management are long-term efforts, but are critical to achieving sustainable results.
Key Resources
Urban Programs in the Philippines: A Snapshot
USAID Democratic Decentralization Programming Handbook
Assessment of the Business Enabling Environment in Cities Development Initiative Cities
Accelerating Economic Growth Through Structural Reform
Guatemala Urban Municipal Governance Project Political Economy Assessment
Land Tenure Dynamics in Peri-Urban Zambia
USAID Democracy & Governance: Democratic Decentralization Programming Handbook
Urban Planning in BiH: A Contemporary Analysis of the Challenges and Path to Progress
Insights & Updates

Best of 2022 – Ocean Plastics at USAID

Program for Local and Urban Sustainability (PLUS): A Field Support Mechanism to Advance Integrated Urban Programming

For Holistic Violence Prevention, Consider the Local Systems Framework

Best of 2020 – Ocean Plastics at USAID

Seven Ways USAID is Working with Cities

Sanitation Campaigns for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Iraq

From Community Influencers to Vanguards Against an Invisible Enemy, Keeping Citizens Safe from the Coronavirus in Iraq

New Bidding Procedure in Iraq Speeds Up Development Undertakings

Cities undertake COVID-19 response and recovery planning with the help of USAID
Projects


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