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Vol. 2 • No. 5 • June 2015 P l a n n i n g a n d L o c a l G o v e r n a n c e P r o j e c t

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION COMMUNITY-BASED SCORECARDS LOCAL ELECTIONS 2015

ADMINISTRATIVE TERRITORIAL REFORM

LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN 2015 In this issue Decentralization Strategy, a Major Challenges and Opportunities for Local Governance Milestone in Local Governance 2 New Local Governance Law he year 2015 will be a pivotal one for and, as a result, each of the remaining to Consolidate Local Autonomy 3 Tlocal governments in , with LGUs will soon grow significantly in of Durres Assists Korça unprecedented opportunities – and geographic size, population, and opera- Officials with Debt Management 3 challenges – to advancing decentral- tional complexity. To support LGUs dur- Taxation Experts in Share Best ization and strengthening local gover- ing this all-important and challenging Practices with Albanian Counterparts 4 nance. In the time since the Planning time of transition, USAID will intensify GIS - A Powerful Tool for Increasing and Local Governance Project (PLGP) the assistance offered to both the GoA Own-Source Revenues 4 was launched in January 2012, USAID and local governments as we work to- Transition Plan for Water Utility 5 been working diligently to help the gether collaboratively to improve the New Water Utility Websites Improve Government of Albania (GoA) and local quality of lives in communities across Citizens’ Access to Information 5 government units (LGUs) successfully Albania. As in the past, we will work USAID Assists Elbasan Water Utility implement decentralization legislation, with the central government to advance in Building Capacity 5 policies and reforms. These are exciting decentralization policies and legislation Statistical Brief Assesses Status of and busy times for all of us and USAID and respond to the requests of LGUs for Local Government Finance 6 looks forward to continuing to be a support in improving service delivery, Ministry of Finance with USAID Support Will partner in the decentralization process. refining planning efforts and managing Revise Unconditional Grants Formula 7 And, with USAID’s recent approval of growth and development. Community-Based Scorecards Provide modifications to PLGP, the Project will Further, we understand that for territo- Feedback to Mayoral Candidates 8 now extend for another six months (un- rial reform to be effective, it must be Ongoing Institutional Support to til July 2017), allowing for an intensifica- accompanied by other decentralization NTPA and MUD 9 tion and expansion of some key project reforms, particularly within the realm USAID Supports in initiatives. of fiscal decentralization. USAID appre- Drafting General Local Territory Plans 9 This summer’s Territorial and Adminis- ciates the challenges faced by the Min- Mayors’ Forum Promotes Planning trative Reform (TAR) will reduce Alba- istry of Finance (MoF) in balancing the and Collaboration 10 nia’s local governments from 373 to 61 Continues on page 2. Urban Renewal Projects for LGUs 10 Rr. “Dervish Hima” 3 Kullat pranë St. “Q. Stafa”, Kulla Nr. 1, Apt. 91, Kati 10, , Albania • Tel: +355 44 50 41 50 • www.plgp.al 1 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN 2015 Challenges and Opportunities for Local Governance Continued from page 1. GoA budget in this time of -wide egy will serve as a roadmap for decen- ported efforts to build the capacity of economic stagnation. Nevertheless, tralization. Also at the national level, local governments to better serve their given the growing understanding of the USAID is supporting efforts to draft citizens. These efforts have resulted in: importance of fiscal decentralization, a new Organic Law for Municipalities improved tax administration and col- we will work with the GoA to see that (Law on Organization and Function- lection, better planning and growth adequate financial resources flow to ing of Local Governments). This new management, more engaged citizens, under-funded local governments. And, Law will confirm the authority of the 61 stronger Information Communications of course, USAID will continue to work newly created local government units Technology, improved service delivery, closely and cooperatively with the Min- in Albania and will entrust these mu- and better performance by water utili- istry of Urban Development (MUD) and nicipalities with both the responsibility ties. Going forward, we will strive to the Ministry of State for Local Issues and the resources to better serve their build good governance and more effec- (MoSLI) in fulfilling their mandates. tive municipal management. Our hope Because the preparation of the legally “USAID will intensify is to create best practices with six new- mandated General National Territorial ly-consolidated municipalities: , Plan (GNTP) is also a vital part of this the assistance Elbasan, , Korça, Kuçova, and Lush- milestone year, USAID will continue its offered to both nja. PLGP’s remaining partners (Kamza, support to the National Territorial Plan- , Saranda, Vora, and Vlora) will ning Agency (NTPA). Simultaneously, the GoA and local continue to receive tailored support at the local level, USAID will strive to governments...to and technical assistance. build the capacity of the newly-consol- USAID understands that the challenges idated municipalities in preparing and improve the quality of of effectively implementing democrat- duly adopting their General Local Ter- lives in communities ic decentralized local governance are ritorial Plans (GLTPs). daunting. We also know that progress At the national level, it has been many across Albania.” is being made in advancing the long- years since the GoA has had a Strategy stalled decentralization process. On the citizens. Finally, USAID is assisting the in place to guide and prioritize actions eve of the enactment of Territorial Re- MoF in revising the Unconditional Grant that will strengthen local governance. form, USAID looks forward to working Formula in an effort to ensure the fair Now, the GoA, with USAID support, with the central and local governments and equitable distribution of revenues has drafted a new National Strategy for and the citizens of Albania to confront to the newly-created municipalities. Decentralization and Local Governance challenges and embrace the opportu- for the period of 2015–2020. This Strat- Over the last 3.5 years, USAID has sup- nity for decentralization in this country.

DECENTRALIZATION STRATEGY 2014 - 2020 A Major Milestone in Local Governance

ith support and technical assis- The strategy will take into account ex- specific peculiarities of local govern- Wtance from the USAID Planning isting legal and political frameworks, ment administration in Albania. and Local Governance Project, the Min- the achievements and gaps of previ- USAID will provide additional assis- istry of State for Local Issues (MoSLI) ously implemented strategic policies, tance to MoSLI in its implementation has officially initiated the drafting of the requirements for enhancing the ef- of other aspects of the decentraliza- the Decentralization Strategy man- ficiency of public services, and the need tion strategy, including the new Law on – imposed by the process of European dated by the Prime Minister’s Order No. Organization and Functioning of Local integration 69: “On Establishment and Functioning Governance, the Law on Local Gov- – for local of the Inter-institutional Working Group ernance Finances, and a new formula for Drafting the National Cross-Cutting governance to comply for the allocation of the unconditional Strategy for Decentralization and Local with Euro- grant. Governance”, dated 13.02.2014. pean Union It will also provide assistance in the With Albania’s administrative-territo- best prac- implementation of the Law on Terri- rial reform entering its first phase, this tices. At the torial Planning and Development, in strategic document is of particular im- same time, improving local government units’ per- portance as it is one of the major chal- the strategy formance in collecting and administer- lenges in improving local government considers ing local taxes (with particular focus on units’ efficiency and the quality of ser- the current property taxes), and in empowering vice delivery to citizens. status and community-based groups. 2 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project NEW LAW ON ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONING OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE New Law to Consolidate Local Autonomy

lbania’s administrative-territorial the amalgamated communes. And, yet, support post-reform mayors, councilors Areform has triggered the need to these expanded responsibilities will fall and community structures in making change the overall structure and orga- to a greatly reduced number of munici- their LGUs more capable, efficient and nization of the roles and responsibilities pal councilors and to directories unused effective. of local government units in relation to to balancing the varying needs of their The revised manual will be dissemi- the national government – and vice ver- expanded geographies. The working nated to the associations of local elects sa. This reworking of the relationship group is reviewing the rights, roles and and other programs operating in local structure requires the drafting of a new responsibilities of LGU mayors, council- governance so that all 61 municipalities Organic Law on the Organization and ors and directories to ensure that rep- receive needed training. Functioning of Local Governance. resentativeness and balance are in line USAID is confident that, in coopera- Responding to a request from MoSLI, with “good governance.” tion with MoSLI, LGUs and their asso- the USAID Planning and Local Gover- The amalgamation of LGUs will also put ciations, the principles of good gover- nance Project has initiated a working more distance between municipalities nance can be constructed, sustainably, group of experts, including two interna- and their citizens. This gap creates new over the years. tional consultants, collaborating to - needs: mayors and councilors sure that the Organic Law is both strong will need to be responsive in new enough and flexible enough to support and different ways and commu- the decentralization process and the nities will need new, more dy- consolidation of LGU autonomy. namic structures that safeguard The administrative-territorial reform citizen involvement in LGU de- will decrease the number of LGUs from cision-making. In light of these 373 to 61, and, in the process, each re- issues, the PLGP is reviewing the maining LGU will become accountable training manual for local council- for the needs and wants of an expanded ors. The project staff will update constituency: the citizens of the original the manual to include new cur- View of a meeting of the working group of the new Law on municipality as well as the citizens of ricula and training modules to Organization and Functioning of Local Governance.

PARTNER LGUS SHARE EXPERIENCE

Municipality of Durres Assists Korça Officials with Debt Management n December four senior tax depart- The handling of local tax debts is an on- particularly with regard to residential Iment officials from the Municipality of going area of focus for Albania’s LGUs. building taxes. Durres hosted their Korça counterparts Now, as a result of the Government of “This collaboration has been very help- to share best practices in the collection Albania’s (GoA) new approach to debt ful to us and we are eager to engage and management of local tax debts. management, many LGUs – including in ongoing communication with our This collaboration was facilitated by Korça -- are developing new structures counterparts in Durres so that we can USAID’s Planning and Local Gover- to improve their handling of local tax share and learn from each other’s expe- nance Project in response to a request debts. When senior officials in Korça riences,” says Kletion Kita, Director of for assistance from officials in the -Mu asked USAID for assistance with their Korça’s Department of Taxation. USAID nicipality of Korça. initiative, members of the local gover- will continue to incorporate improved nance project team arranged a working practices and lessons learned into its “This collaboration has visit to the Municipality of Durres where training activities while also promoting the two groups engaged in a lively dis- dialogue and collaboration among mu- been very helpful to cussion of issues relevant to local tax nicipalities. us and we are eager debt management. Members of the Durres team shared to share and learn their experiences in general, as well as from each other’s specific procedures including record keeping, documentation and the or- experiences,” says ganization of responsibility structures Kletion Kita, Director of within their tax department. In return, Korça’s Department of senior staff from Durres had the op- portunity to learn about Korça’s experi- Korça tax officials (left) discuss issues of tax manage- Taxation.” ences with property tax administration, ment with their peers from the Municipality of Durres.

3 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project LOCAL TAXES Taxation Experts in Kosovo Share Best Practices with Albanian Counterparts

ax experts from USAID’s Planning visits and open discussions, national- “The study tour was as useful as it was Tand Local Governance Project and and local-level experts from Kosovo practical – not theory. Our colleagues nearly two dozen Albanian representa- shared their thoughts and experiences from Kosovo shared their practical ex- tives met, in April, with their counter- on local finance, own-source revenues perience in facing the challenges of parts in Kosovo to exchange experienc- and property taxation. Although Koso- property tax administration.” es and best practices in the collection vo is a much younger state than Alba- USAID will continue these sorts of in- of local property taxes. Participants in nia, the country has made significant formation-exchange activities until the the two-day study tour included mem- steps in improving property tax col- end of the local governance project. bers of Albania’s Ministry of Finance lection. For example, in Albania local Peter Clavelle, Chief of Party for the US- and Ministry of State for Local Issues, government revenues are 2.9% of the AID project says, “Our goal is to foster Deputy Mayors and Tax Department country’s GDP whereas Kosovo cur- economic growth and improved service Directors of 14 of PLGP’s partner mu- rently realizes a rate of 7.6%.1 USAID’s delivery among Albania’s local govern- nicipalities and representatives from Project Tax Expert Silvana Meko, says, ments, and local tax administration is both local government associations and “We identified Kosovo’s experience as vital to these efforts.” Fatos Hodaj, Ex- partner municipalities associated with valuable -- one worth sharing with our ecutive Director of the Albanian Asso- the Swiss-funded dldp project. partner municipalities in Albania.” ciation of Municipalities says, “This kind Through presentations, meetings, site Because national and local policy mak- of activity is what we expect from pro- ers across Albania face the challenge of grams in the local governance area. We “This kind of activities improving property tax collection, this look forward to participating in other is what we expect from is a main area of support by USAID. The exchange activities in the future.” use of property taxes as a major stable programs in the local source of local government revenues is governance area. We look key to good local governance and the forward to participating in local governance project is making a other exchange activities concerted effort to provide direct tech- nical assistance and training that will in the future,” said Fatos disseminate good practices to its part- Hodaj, Executive Director of ner municipalities. Elton Korreshi, Tax the Albanian Association of Head for the Lushnja municipality says, 1. Source: “Fiscal Decentralization Indicators of South-East Eu- A tax official from Pristina, Kosovo, demonstrating Municipalities. rope: 2006-2012,” Network of Associations of Local Authorities the property tax software for the identification of reg- of South East Europe, April 2014. istered and unregistered properties.

GIS - A Powerful Tool for Increasing Own-Source Revenues

n May, members of the USAID local volves starting from information about tain accurate measurements of prop- Igovernance team visited the partner buildings and streets and then creating erty sizes all of the information is used municipalities of Fier, Korça and El- an updated address system from that to create a tax register. basan to learn about their approaches information. Once municipalities have GIS is a powerful tool for inventorying for improving their property tax col- conducted building inspections to ob- property and taxpayer information, an lection systems and assess their prog- essential first step in any well-executed ress in using geographic information tax administration system. Without an systems (GIS) to assist with these ef- understanding of taxpayer and proper- forts. The goal? To observe both best ty characteristics and locations, the tax practices and challenges so that USAID cycle cannot function, resulting in a loss can provide guidance to partner LGUs of own-source revenues. about using GIS tools to improve mu- Several of USAID’s partner local gov- nicipal tax collection and increase own- ernment units are already construct- source revenues. ing complete, up-to-date municipal tax GIS, also known as computerized map- registers. Emiko Guthe, GIS consultant ping, links map-based graphics to da- to USAID notes, “The recent USAID tabase information so that users can team visits to Korça and Fier demon- access in-depth information about strate how GIS tools can be used to cre- individual properties and also display ate a comprehensive taxpayer register accumulated summary information and, as a result, improve data manage- across many properties. The process ment, decision making and revenue for creating a GIS-based tax register in- A sample GIS image generation.” 4 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project WATER UTILITIES Transition Plan for Elbasan Water Utility to Be Used as Model for Other Local Governments

lbania will see the consolidation cludes both strategic goals and specific staff, an increase in the number of hours Aof its 373 municipalities and com- tactics that Elbasan will use to improve daily that water is supplied, the reha- munes into 61 greatly enlarged local utility management, increasing the ca- bilitation of the existing water-supply government units. In the coming weeks pacity of key staff, improving water-bill infrastructure in Elbasan’s rural areas and months. This territorial reform will collection rates, reducing illegal con- and construction of new water supply have a considerable impact on the man- nections, and so on. systems for several rural villages. These agement and delivery of water and sew- Currently, two water utilities operate strategic goals will be achieved primar- age services for each of the newly con- within the Elbasan region: UK Elbasan, ily through cost savings from the reduc- stituted LGUs and, in most cases, will which serves the city of Elbasan and tion in staff, improved management result in the merging of urban and rural Elbasan Fshat, which serves Elbasan’s practices and funds generated by infra- water utilities. It will be challenging for 12 rural communes. According to the structure investments. the local units to reorganize their entire plan, these two utilities will be merged Elbasan’s Mayor, Qazim Sejdini, has water infrastructures, but these chal- into one with the goal of achieving fi- expressed appreciation to USAID for lenges will – over time – result in econo- nancial sustainability by 2016. The its role in assisting with the plan, which mies of scale that enable the LGUs to plan’s recommendations include the has been approved for implementation provide improved services to their citi- post-merger reduction of management following the June elections. Ndriçim zens and make the utilities themselves Shani of USAID Planning and Local more financially sustainable. “The five-year transition Governance Project says, “The plan is USAID’s Planning and Local Gover- plan for water delivery strong – a good tool to help Elbasan as nance water experts, in collaboration it faces the challenges of improving its with a management team from El- in the new Elbasan LGU water and sewage services during and basan’s water utilities, and the Mu- promises to be a model to after the territorial reform. Using the nicipality, recently prepared a five-year Elbasan plan as a model, USAID looks transition plan for water delivery in the be replicated throughout forward to working with the municipali- new Elbasan LGU that promises to be a Albania.” ties of Berat, Kuçova, Lushnja and Fier model throughout Albania. The plan in- on their transition plans.”

New Water Utility Websites Improve Citizens’ Access to USAID Assists Elbasan Water Information Utility in Building Capacity

ith the assistance of the USAID ith the transition of Elbasan’s WProject the water utilities of El- Wwater utility from central-gov- basan, Berat-Kuçova Vlora, Fier and ernment to local ownership, the USAID Lushnja, have launched new websites Plannign and Local Governance Project that make it easier for customers to has provided intensive technical assis- access information about their water tance and hands-on training to help the providers and to provide vital feedback utility improve its management proce- that will help the utilities improve their dures, accountability, transparency and services. The improved websites in- overall governance. clude information on water legislation, Through on-site visits and joint work tariffs and fees, payments options and sessions, senior management from the new utility-related projects. One of the water utility and officials from the El- most useful changes is the addition of basan have worked collaboratively to Photo above: USAID Project Water Expert Ndriçim an integrated customer complaint form Shani (right) discusses water needs with Lushnje Wa- reach consensus on key issues such as that allows customers to register com- ter Utility specialists. approval of the annual budget, inter- plaints and offer suggestions at any Photo below: Elbasan Water Utility Transitional Plan mediate strategic objectives etc. is presented to water utility officials. time. The sites also contain integrated One key outcome resulting from the social media links for Facebook, Twitter Project support is drafting the Preven- and LinkedIn that will foster improved tative Maintenance and Asset Manage- communication with customers. ment program that will help the utility’s Customer service employees at each of technical staff in increasing the lifespan the utilities are already trained in how of the utility’s assets, save money on to update the sites with new informa- water supply components and reduce tion, relevant articles, blogs and com- water supply interruption and defects pany news. that directly affect customers. 5 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project local finances Statistical Brief Assesses Status of Local Government Finance on the Eve of Territorial Consolidation lbania’s imminent Territorial and AAdministrative Reform demon- “Although Albanian LGUs are vested with as strates the Government of Albania’s (GoA) willingness to enhance local gov- many responsibilities as their counterparts ernance; one key to the success of this reform initiative is effective implemen- in other countries in the region, they receive tation of decentralization policies and substantially less public revenue.” legislation. To support the GoA’s efforts in this regard, USAID’s Planning and findings and recommendations from have been extremely unfavorable for Local Governance Project recently de- the USAID report, most of which were large municipalities, where the vast veloped a Statistical Brief on Albanian derived from an analysis of recent LGU majority of population lives. The un- Local Government Finances. The Brief revenue data: conditional grant formula must be provides policy makers with a vivid pic- adjusted to reflect a more objective ture of local government finances on • While the responsibilities of Alba- nian LGUs are prescribed by law, equalization system that allocates municipalities lack the funds in a transparent, fair and equi- resources needed to ful- table manner. fill these mandates. In • Albania is one of the few countries fact, although Albanian in the region where Personal Income LGUs are vested with as Tax funds are not shared with LGUs. many responsibilities as • Although there is a legal framework their counterparts in oth- allowing LGUs to borrow funds from er countries in the region, financial markets, local borrowing re- they receive substantially mains at marginal levels. less public revenue. • When compared to other countries • While territorial re- in the region, Albania needs to sub- the eve of territorial consolidation and form will reduce administrative stantially improve financial reporting finds that, while the consolidation of costs, it will not solve the problem and accounting practices related to Albania’s 373 LGUs into just 61 LGUs of LGU underfunding. Concerted ef- local government finances. represents an unprecedented oppor- forts are needed to increase LGU rev- The Brief provides relevant input to the tunity to strengthen local governance, enues. GoA in advance of the finalization of but in and of itself is not sufficient to -ad • Unconditional grants to LGUs are the Decentralization Strategy and the dress the longstanding struggle of local unpredictable making financial plan- adoption of the new organic law. US- governments for adequate resources to ning, budgeting and management AID’s Project will soon update the Brief meet citizens’ demand for public ser- difficult. Further, the size and al- to reflect the most recently available vices. Following is a recap of selected locations of unconditional grants revenue data.

New Web Portal for Partner LGUs to Encourage Civic Participation n addition to the implementation of need of repair and then track the prog- E-service portal will be implemented in Ithe new computerized tax system, ress of the municipality’s response. The all Project partner LGUs’. the partner local government units – with the help of USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project, – will have a new E-service portal. This new munici- pal portal will contain many useful tools that will make it easier for citizens to access information online and, thereby, their ability to participate in the munici- pality’s governance. For example, citizens will now be able to follow developments of the city’s mu- nicipal council, use E-applications see their tax bills online or request services and a “Fix My City” area where citizens can report problems such as roads in 6 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project local finances Ministry of Finance with USAID Support Will Revise Unconditional Grants Formula

n January 2015, the Ministry of Fi- ing the formula. In addition, USAID is Unconditional Grants from the central Inance requested USAID’s assistance guiding the policy dialogue and helping government are intended to provide in drafting a new formula for the distri- to build consensus on the need create LGUs with revenues that should guar- bution of Unconditional Grants to Local a more predictable, more equitable dis- antee public services on a reasonably Government Units (LGUs) to become tribution. equal standard to their citizens. And, effective with the 2016 annual- bud although it is important that the for- get. The Territorial and Administrative Predictability and mula compensate LGUs with lower- Reform currently underway calls for a than-average fiscal capacities, the cur- thorough revision of the existing sys- fairness of financial rent fiscal equalization mechanism has tem of grants distribution so that the resources flowing to depressed tax revenues in both in small allocation of financial resources can be (not necessarily the poorest) and large more transparent, fair and equitable. As LGUs are essential jurisdictions. of 2014, Unconditional Grants still ac- The territorial consolidation is an oppor- count for 80% of total revenues for 60% elements for improving tunity to strengthen the Albanian state of LGUs and are unstable from year to by transferring more responsibility to year with the equalization mechanism the functioning of both local governments and allowing the favoring smaller jurisdictions, which the central and local central government to focus on more has been problematic for high-popula- strategic functions. “However,” says tion municipalities. For example, Tirana governments...” Elton Stafa, USAID’s Project Municipal has consistently received half the per- Finance Expert “a thorough revision of capita grant received by other LGUs. the current intergovernmental finance system is needed. The predictability In response to the Ministry of Finance and fairness of financial resources flow- request, USAID has developed an ac- ing to LGUs are essential elements for tion plan for the revision of the existing improving the functioning of both the system that will use a consultative da- central and local governments, as well ta-driven process among stakeholders as effective service delivery to citizens.” to create a solid foundation for rework-

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY New IT Solutions Improve Public Services in Berat and Saranda

orking with USAID’s Planning rate calculation of tax bills and track- This past May, the city of Saranda Wand Local Governance Project, ing of payments. These improvements launched its own computerized tax sys- the municipalities of Berat and Saranda will lead to greater tax revenues for the tem. Under the old system, the munici- recently launched new IT solutions that city and, as a result, enable enhanced pality’s taxation processes were han- will allow each city to offer improved services for its citizens. The automated dled manually, whereas the new system services for its citizens while also greatly financial management system will sup- improving their administrative efficien- port better decision-making by provid- enables better, more accurate billing, cy and effectiveness. In February, Berat ing municipal officials with better, more collection and tracking. The automated unveiled new computerized tax and timely information. Together the two system will also allow city planners and finance systems that will enable- bet systems will reduce errors, increase the officials to develop revenue projections ter fiscal and financial administration. city’s ability to monitor and evaluate its and analyses necessary for good fiscal The new tax system will significantly spending and decrease the one-on-one management. reduce the time and effort needed to interactions with tax officials that en- collect taxes and allow for more accu- able corruption. In addition to these recent upgrades in Berat and Saranda, USAID has worked with other partner LGUs to provide new “The new tax system will significantly reduce IT capacities. Vlora, Lushnja, Kuçova, the time and effort needed to collect taxes and Patos, Kamza and Vora all have new tax and finance administration systems. allow for more accurate calculation of tax bills Saranda, Patos, Vora and Kamza have and tracking of payments.” received a new billing and accounting water information system.

7 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project Civic engagement Community-Based Scorecards Provide Feedback to Mayoral Candidates

SAID, in collaboration with United orities, rather than politics and parties. UNations (UN) Women and the mu- These forums demonstrated democra- nicipalities of Elbasan, Berat, Kamza cy in action as they have aimed to both and Vlora, is continuing its work on the harmonize the CBS results with the pro- Community-Based Scorecard (CBS) grams and platforms of the coming lo- project. The scorecards use citizen cal elections and influence the drafting feedback to assess municipality perfor- of local policies. mance in the areas of quality of servic- Fiorela Shalsi of UN Women says, es, good governance and transparency, “Throughout the CBS project citizen in- economic development and human put has been a vital part of the process.” rights and gender equality, and are an Initially, the project team conducted opportunity for municipalities to un- sets of focus group in each LGU and derstand citizens’ priorities and needs. then developed 19 separate scorecards Lori Memo of the USAID Planning and via public meetings in each of the tar- Local Governance Project says, “I be- get communities. Later, they identified lieve that the CBS project can and will the highest priorities, so that a single, serve as model of civic engagement to final scorecard could be developed for other municipalities, allowing them to each LGU. Next, the project team met be more responsive to their residents.” separately with local representatives In time for the June elections, scorecard from the political parties in each LGU results and recommendations were and presented them with the scorecard completed for each of the project’s results. The meetings provided party View of Community-Based Scorecard leaflets, activi- ties and coverage in USAID/Albania Facebook page. partner municipalities and USAID orga- leaders with information on citizens’ nized community forums where may- perceptions and recommendations oral candidates had the opportunity to and allowed the team to work in plan- respond to their community’s scorecard ning next steps: public forums with the results. At the forums, candidates lis- mayoral candidates in each LGU. In all tened to the opinions and priorities of cases, Citizen Advisory Panels (CAPs) their citizens – including those of the members and interested citizens par- surrounding communes soon to be in- ticipated in the meetings and activities. corporated into those municipalities – and to answer direct questions from citizens in attendance. For example, in Berat, the two main candidates for Mayor attended the forum as did approximately 200 citi- zens, including Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP) members. The candidates were thoughtful and engaged throughout their dialogue with Berat’s citizens, and kept their focus on people and pri- 8 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project TERRITORIAL PLANNING Ongoing Institutional Support to NTPA and MUD

ince the inception of the USAID mal areas in Albania. The terms of tered so that they no longer include SPlanning and Local Governance reference can be used by MUD when the permitting process. Plans are in Project in 2012, project experts have working with experts to analyze and place for the creation of a one-stop- provided substantive ongoing support diagnose territorial issues. shop for national-level building per- to several national-level organizations, • Working with NTPA, the USAID Proj- mits by September 2015. most significantly the Ministry of Urban ect helped organize and moderate an • The GoA approved the territorial de- Development (MUD) and the National Orientation Workshop on the Gen- velopment regulation, so that there Territory Planning Agency (NTPA). eral National Territorial Plan with the is a legal basis for issuing permits These collaborative efforts have been technical staffs of various Ministries that can be used by the amalgam- productive, but have also faced consid- and water, environment, transport ated municipalities as of September erable challenges as the Government of and other sector experts. As a result 2015. USAID assisted MUD with the Albania’s (GoA) priorities with regard of the workshop, NTPA was able to final revision of this regulation prior to territory planning have shifted and work on drafting a preliminary ter- to its approval by the Council of Min- changed. ritorial vision for Albania that can be isters. Below is an update on the recent col- used for further GNTP development. • USAID is also supporting MUD and laborative efforts, including the status • NTPA and MUD requested USAID’s the NTPA in their efforts to draft a of territorial planning initiatives: support and advice during their ex- conceptual platform that new LGUs • USAID assisted MUD in strength- amination of the restructuring of can use in drafting the first-stage ter- ening its internal infrastructure by the NTPA and the possible establish- ritorial strategies within their GLTPs contributing to the preparation and ment of a new national agency re- and be able to provide building per- delivery of job descriptions for MUD sponsible for territory development mits. While the GLTP process contin- staff. These new job descriptions control. The initiation of this restruc- ues over the next one-to-two years, were approved by the Ministry. turing effort was due to the increase the LGUs will be able to deliver build- in workload of NTPA, deriving from ing permits for strategic investments • In a similar fashion USAID aided in the construction moratorium. As a by making use of the projects identi- the development and revision of result, the agency should be split in fied within the territorial strategies. MUD’s internal regulations. The new two: one for planning and design and regulations have also been approved. USAID and MUD are continuing to the other for permits and develop- cooperate on a number of key issues • Collaborating with NTPA, USAID as- ment. This restructuring gained sup- related to the strengthening of the na- sisted in the drafting of bylaws and port from the Prime Minister’s office tional institutions involved in territory regulations for territory planning and because of its compatibility with the planning and to the facilitation of local development that are in accordance GoA’s goal of establishing one-stop- territory planning processes. For exam- with the newly approved Planning shop e-services for citizens. But, the ple, USAID is already involved in draft- Law 107/2014. MUD and NTPA were not in agree- ing a study on the opportunity to make • USAID also provided support to ment about the proposed restructur- use of land value capture instruments, MUD in drafting terms of reference ing. Nonetheless, the planning law drafting a toolkit for territory planning that will be used in utilizing expertise was revised and is currently under and development, and will continue to for the development of urbanization review by the Parliament and the carry out training and capacity building and integration strategies for infor- NTPA’s responsibilities have been al- initiatives.

USAID Supports Municipalities in Drafting General Local Territory Plans s a result of the territorial reform, environmental quality, researching pos- is cooperating with other organiza- Amunicipalities across Albania will sible methods for promoting economic tions, including the National Territory need to develop General Local Territory development and developing land and Planning Agency and the Albanian Spa- Plans (GLTPs). Over the next months, infrastructure. In these efforts, USAID tial Information Geoportal. USAID’s Planning and Local Gover- USAID Project urban planning experts taking samples nance Project will provide direct, in- of river water for Environmental Impact Assessment, depth support to Fier, Lushnje, Berat, a legal requirement for General Local Territorial Plan. Kuçova and Elbasan in preparing their plans. Although this consultation be- gins officially in September, the Project has been working with these munici- palities since February, assisting them in establishing territorial databases, carrying out field surveys, investigating

9 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project TERRITORIAL PLANNING Territorial Planning Toolkit Available This Fall

s noted above, the summer’s terri- ry Planning Agency, is drafting a toolkit the speed with which the bylaws of the Atorial reform will soon require each that will provide mayors and their staffs Territorial Plan and Development Law of Albania’s newly consolidated mu- with information, advice and templates (Law 107/2014) are approved. nicipalities to face the challenge of de- to facilitate plan creation. As of this writing, the Development By- veloping a General Local Territory Plan The toolkit is already in development law has been approved by the Govern- (GLTP). To support municipalities in and is expected to be available by Oc- ment of Albania, but the Planning By- this important effort, the USAID Plan- tober. of this year. Stakeholders and law is still awaiting confirmation. Once ning and Local Governance Project, in experts involved in toolkit development the bylaws are fully in place, the toolkit cooperation with the Ministry of Urban have agreed on its content, but the will be finalized and made available to Development and the National Territo- completion of their work depends on municipalities throughout Albania.

Mayors’ Forum Promotes Planning and Collaboration

ast September, the USAID Planning on possible solutions. A speaker of note Land Local Government Project, in was Ms. Trinity Simons, Director of the cooperation with the National Territory U.S. Mayors’ Institute on City Design, Planning Agency (NTPA) and POLIS who delivered several sessions on inter- University, convened its first Mayors’ national practices in urban design. Forum on Urban Transformation in Tira- Rudina Toto of USAID, one of the con- na. The Forum was well attended with ference organizers says, “By all counts, more than 100 participants including the Mayors’ Forum was a successful ini- mayors, deputy majors and representa- tiative that provided participants with a tives of municipalities, national institu- great deal of value. USAID, NTPA and tions and planning experts. POLIS University are considering the USAID and its partner organizations possibility of organizing another Forum designed the Forum to motivate may- for Fall 2016.” ors and local leaders to be more actively Prior to the Mayors’ Forum, the USAID involved in planning and managing the Project and the NTPA selected six LGUs growth and development of their com- to present case studies on specific sites munities. The Forum also provided an where urban development was war- opportunity for participants to discuss ranted. See sidebar article for more the problems and challenges of city de- about this innovative competition that sign, urban development and territorial continued beyond the Mayors’ Forum planning and to exchange perspectives itself.

Urban Renewal Projects for Local Government Units rior to the Mayors’ Forum, all Alba- The USAID Project and the National ing the Forum, five municipalies: Lush- Pnian LGUs were invited to prepare Territorial Planning Agency – through a nja, Fier, , Durres and Berat and submit case studies regarding ur- competitive process – selected six LGUs received further support from USAID, ban regeneration in their communities. to present them in the Forum. Follow- NTPA and POLIS University in develop- ing design briefs for their projects that would allow them to apply for funding from the Regional Development Fund (RDF). While the proposed projects were still at the concept stage, public hear- ings were held in each of municipali- ties. Residents of each area, along with members of the Citizens Advisory Panels, had the opportunity to make comments and suggestions to be con- sidered for incorporation into the final design briefs. 10 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project NEW ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL DIVISION Goodbye, A New Day for Local Governments dear friend!

KELMEND

MARGEGAJ TROPOJË

M A L Ë S II T R O P O J Ë E M A D H E SHALË

FIERZË BYTYÇ QENDËR QENDËR SHOSH FIERZË H A S GRUEMIRË S H K O D Ë R IBALLË KRUMË F U S H Ë FAJZË POSTRIBË A R R Ë S QELËZ FUSHË-ARRËS TËRTHORE VA U II SHKODËR KUKËS D E J Ë S KOLSH GURI RRAPE ANA E I ZI VAU I PUKË SHTIQËN MALIT DEJËS QAFË-MAL BËRDICË P U K Ë DAJÇ VIG-MNELË K U K Ë S DAJÇ ARRËN VELIPOJË GRYKË BLINISHT KAÇINAR CAJE BALLDRE BUSHTRICË ZALL-REÇ L E Z H Ë KALIS KALA E LURË DODËS Angelo D’Urso M IIR D IIT Ë ZALL-DARDHË KOLSH RRËSHEN LEZHË SELITË SLLOVË SHËNGJIN ARRAS (29.11.1954 - 21.04.2015) KTHJELLË FUSHË-ÇIDHËN KASTRIOT SHËNKOLL D IIB Ë R TOMIN FUSHË ULËZ KUQE It is with great sadness that LAÇ M AT M AT LIS K U R B IIN BAZ SELISHTË MAQELLARË SHUPENZË we report the death of our close SUÇ

THUMANË ISHËM FUSHË BULQIZË friend and esteemed colleague D U R R Ë S KRUJË K R U J Ë K L O S GJORICË BULQIZË FUSHË MANËZ KRUJË Angelo D’Urso, who was a ma- NIKËL XIBËR V O R Ë B U L Q IIZ Ë PREZË ZALL KATUND ZALL-BASTAR VORË HERR jor contributor to the USAID I RI BËRXULLË KAMËZ K A M Ë Z SHIIJAK Planning and Local Governance SHËNGJERGJ DURRËS TIRANË STEBLEVË

RRASHBULL FARKË ORENJË Project. A key member of the PETRELË LUNIK L IIB R A Z H D GOLEM T I R A N Ë project team, Angelo joined LABINOT PEZË KRRABË FUNAR K AVA J Ë BËRZHITË MAL QENDËR HELMËS KAVAJË E L B A S A N PLGP at its inception in 2012 as E L B A S A N LUZ I LABINOT VOGËL FUSHË POLIS ELBASAN PËRPARIM an urban planning expert to as- RRAJCË PAJOVË SHUSHICË RROGOZHIINË KARINË PAPËR QUKËS RROGOZHINË GOSË P E Q IIN TËRBUF P R R E N J A S sist the Government of Albania GJOCAJ SHALËS CËRRIK SHEZË DIVJAKË GRABJAN GOSTIMË ZAVALINË and local governments to plan RRASË D IIV J A K Ë GOLEM KLOS B E L S H LUSHNJEKARBUNARË CËRRIIK POROÇAN and manage urban growth. FIERZË LUSHNJE MOLLAS VELÇAN GRADISHTË SULT FIER BUÇIMAS SHEGAN KOZARE GRAMSH KOLONJË P O G R A D E C ÇËRRAVË LIBOFSHË POSHNJE K U Ç O V Ë Those of us who were fortu- TUNJË BUBULLIMË KUÇOVË TOPOJË G R A M S H STRUM LENIE URA KUSHOVË nate enough to have worked URA P U S T E C VAJGURORE SKËNDERBEGAS GORE F IIE R DERMENAS URA FIER KUMAN VAJGURORE ZHARRËZ M A L IIQ with Angelo know what a vital, QENDËR ROSKOVEC BERAT PROGËR PATOS ZHEPË MOGLICË LEVAN PORTEZ PATOS PATOS VËRTOP inspiring person he was. He NGRAÇAN B E R AT VOSKOPOJË QENDËR QENDËR QENDËR BILISHT NOVOSELË SINJË KORÇË ARANITES GJERBËS HOÇISHT POLIÇAN was not only an expert in his GRESHICË P O L IIÇ A N BOGOVË DRENOVË SELITË TËRPAN LESHNJE K O R Ç Ë SHUSHICË SELENICË S K R A PA R K O R Ç Ë D E V O L L MALLAKASTËR field, he enjoyed wide-ranging QENDËR MALLAKASTËR VËNDRESHË QENDËR ARMEN ÇOROVODË VLORË interests: music, history, arche- VLLAHINË KUTË BUZ KRAHËS MOLLAS M E M A L IIA J ÇEPAN ology, and arts. Only 60 years ÇLIRIM SEVASTËR KOTË K E L C Y R Ë QENDËR SUKË S E L E N IIC E LOPËS FRASHËR ERSEKË at his death, he was taken from MEMALIAJ DISHNICË NOVOSELË ERSEKË V L O R Ë FSHAT TEPELENË QENDËR K O L O N J Ë us and - more important - his K O L O N J Ë T E P E L E N Ë QËNDËR KELCYRË P Ë R M E T TEPELENË wife and two children too soon. PËRMET HORË-VRANISHT ZAGORIE QËNDER He will be greatly missed. L I B O H O V Ë LESKOVIK HIMARË G J IIR O K A S T ËLRUNXHËRLI I B O H O V Ë ÇARÇOVË H IIM A R Ë LUKOVË QENDËR GJIROKASTËR POGON LIBOHOVË

LAZARAT LIBOHOVË D E LV IIN Ë I POSHTËM DELVINË D R O P U L L

MESOPOTAM DROPULL I SIPËRM SARANDË F IIN IIQ DHIVER S A R A N D Ë

LIVADHJA

KSAMIL

XARRË K O N IIS P O L

KONISPOL

11 USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project outreach USAID Facebook Page USAID/Albania has an active Face- book page. Like this page to follow our work and stories from the 15 communities as well as information from other USAID projects around the country. Go to: www.facebook.com/Albania.USAID for more.

USAID’s Planning and Local Governance Project Website While this newsletter will continue to be published periodically, you can also get up-to-date information on the progress of the USAID project and its partner municipalities at our website: http://www.plgp.al. The site features news about ongoing and upcoming activities. You can find resources and publications that support and guide community and municipal development. The website outlines the main components of the project and also has links to reports and project partners. Other information available in the USAID website include news, success stories, and links to project partners and counterparts.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of theUnited States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Rr. “Dervish Hima” 3 Kullat pranë St. “Q. Stafa”, Kulla Nr. 1, Apt. 91, Kati 10, Tirana, Albania • Tel: +355 44 50 41 50 • www.plgp.al

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