Lebanese youth in Saida celebrate Independence Day.

USAID

Aside from efforts in the late 1950s and early 1960s when most of the inspection institutions (e.g. civil service board, civil inspection, court of audits) were established, the Government of Lebanon has  embarked on few serious initiatives to reform public administration. Lebanon’s government structure constrains decision-making authority at the local level, making it difficult for local leaders to address the demands of their electorates. Municipalities also face a host of challenges including a lack of funds, limited personnel and weak capacity. These constraints thwart a vibrant and diverse civil society’s ability to influence public policy and make responsive governance more difficult.

The United States is committed to a stable, sovereign, independent and prosperous Lebanon. Through USAID, substantial resources are invested in efforts to improve public services at the local and regional level. We work to promote community participation in local decision-making, expand access to reliable and affordable public services, and enhance participatory and accountable local government.

To help improve local governance, USAID partners with local and regional governments, grassroots organizations and the private sector to:

• Build the skills of civil society organizations to act as catalysts for change.
• Support local governance and development initiatives to increase public participation in decision-making.
• Provide support for strategic reforms that promote transparent, accountable and democratic governance.