Fourteenth Quarterly Progress Report: Governance Accountability Project, Phase II (GAP2)

The project began in 2011 and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina. GAP2's main purpose is to support the development of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina by providing technical assistance and capacity building to local governments. The project focuses on improving the capacity of local governments to deliver public services, increase transparency and accountability, and promote economic development. During the 14th quarterly progress report period, which spans from April to June 2011, GAP2 made significant progress in implementing its activities. The project concluded the implementation of Municipal Action Plans (MAPs) in Cohorts 1 and 2 partner municipalities, which focused on improving urban permitting processes. GAP2 also carried out an extensive analysis of all 72 partner municipalities and identified 34 municipalities as suitable beneficiaries for the implementation of new project activities. In addition, GAP2 formally transferred ownership of the local government consultancy database, municipal revenue profiles, and the Municipal Budget Guide to the RS and FBiH Associations of Cities and Municipalities. The project also launched 18 capital projects in eight municipalities, with a total value of KM 2.711 million. The policy team engaged a short-term technical consultant to support the working group to finalize the RS Code of Inter-Governmental Relations. In the FBiH, the policy team continued to advocate for several laws, including the Vital Records Law and the Law on Concessions, which are now before Parliament. The policy team also assisted local consulting firm BH Experts and the RS Association of Cities and Municipalities to analyze municipal revenues in the RS. GAP2's policy team also assisted in the development of a municipal revenue allocation model, which was presented at the Second Conference of Deputy Mayors for Finance. As a result of a meeting with the GAP2 COP/Policy Director and Fiscal Advisor, the FBiH Minister of Finance agreed to sign an MOU defining cooperation in the areas of revenue allocation and treasury operations at the municipal level. The project's progress is a significant step towards achieving its goals of promoting excellence in local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project's focus on improving the capacity of local governments to deliver public services, increase transparency and accountability, and promote economic development is crucial for the country's development. GAP2's activities are well underway, and the project is making significant progress in implementing its activities. The project's focus on supporting the development of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for the country's development, and its progress is a significant step towards achieving its goals. The project's policy team is working closely with local governments and stakeholders to promote excellence in local governance. The team's efforts to finalize the RS Code of Inter-Governmental Relations and advocate for several laws in the FBiH are crucial for the development of local governance in the country. GAP2's progress is a testament to the project's commitment to promoting excellence in local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project's focus on improving the capacity of local governments to deliver public services, increase transparency and accountability, and promote economic development is crucial for the country's development.