Enhanced Accountability and Transparency of Palestinian LGUs

〡Duration: 2023 - 2024

〡Funded by: UNDP Transparency, Evidence and Accountability (TEA) Programme

〡Objectives 

• Promote transparency and community accountability for LGUs functions by directing, documenting, arranging, and holding public hearing sessions, which focus on main planning issues. 
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of LGUs plans, activities, and achievements by developing an electronic monitoring mechanism (Municipality Meter). 
• Assess the current situation and future vision of the local government sector in Palestine by establishing the Mayors Forum, making recommendations, and developing policy papers. 
• Prepare a sample of the digital budget. 

〡Interventions:

1. Prepared and developed the Baladiyah Meter online website to enhance monitoring and evaluation (ME) of LGU plans and activities

• Created, upgraded and developed the platform, as well as entered the data of 5 LGUs
• Provided capacity building to LGU technical staff to use the Baladiyah Meter Platform
• Organized a study tour to Turkey for mayors to view the Turkish experience in transparency, accountability, and electronic monitoring of LGU plans.

1. Established the LGU Mayors Forum:

• Held 6 virtual meetings
• Organized 5 face-to-face meetings in northern, central and southern West Bank
• Held 2 expert sessions at APLA offices
• Developed 3 research papers
• Compiled 3 policy position studies

1. Public hearing sessions

• Held 5 public hearings on the licensing of large buildings, such as commercial centres, at the local level
• Developed a guidance manual for future directions

1. Evaluated and updated LGU procurement plans

• Selected Asira ash-Shamaliya and Ramallah municipalities as pilot sites implement the procurement plan
• Conducted preliminary consultations and preparations with municipal staff to launch training and implementation
• Set a standard model for the municipal procurement plan
• Delivered detailed training to municipal staff to ensure proper implementation of procurement plans
• Held interactive sessions with citizens to ensure engagement in annual procurement planning and promote transparency and accountability.