Local Capacity Strengthening Policy

The LCS Policy builds on decades of USAID experience in capacity strengthening.

USAID recognizes the central importance of partnerships that result in strengthened local
communities — a longstanding practice across every sector, country, and context in which the Agency
works. In the context of urban and peri-urban populations, locally led development that engages
partners at the local and hyperlocal levels is key to the long-term success of urban resilience
strengthening efforts.

Through the Local Capacity Strengthening (LCS) Policy, USAID is committing to a unified, cohesive, and
systemic approach in which USAID collaborates with local partners to:

  • Define their own vision for success;
  • Strengthen their ability to be effective and relevant actors within their local communities and contexts;
  • Elevate local ownership in sustaining development results.

The LCS Policy builds on decades of USAID experience in capacity strengthening. This policy is an
opportunity for the Agency to reexamine its capacity strengthening practices in light of the principles of
locally led development, as well as systems thinking and practice, to be a more effective and equitable
partner. This policy was developed over three years through a highly participatory process where
feedback was intentionally solicited, analyzed, and incorporated, as summarized in this comment report.

Resource Link: https://www.usaid.gov/local-capacity-strengthening-policy