Planning and Local Governance Project in Albania: Year Nine Work Plan

The project was designed to contribute to USAID/Albania's Development Objective #1, which aims to strengthen the rule of law and improve governance. PLGP's objectives include supporting local government revenue potential and systems, improving local government service delivery, and promoting economic development planning and implementation. The project has undergone several contract modifications to adapt to the changing Albanian enabling environment. In 2015, a contract modification was executed that increased funding and extended the period of performance by six months. This modification allowed PLGP to expand and intensify assistance to central and local governments to effectively implement the Territorial Administrative Reform (TAR). The project received a No-Additional Cost Extension in 2017, which extended the period of performance through September 30, 2019. A final contract modification was awarded in 2018, extending the period of performance until September 2020. PLGP has focused on several key areas, including decentralization reforms, capacity building for public officials and institutions, and addressing the challenge of violent extremism. The project has worked with 15 partner local government units (LGUs) and has provided assistance to water/wastewater utilities serving these communities. PLGP has also supported the creation or strengthening of civil society organizations that can interface with and provide oversight to local governments. The final year of implementation will focus solely on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) activities, which fall under Component III: Strengthen Civic Engagement to Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) / Women, Peace and Security. This component aims to strengthen civic engagement to counter violent extremism and promote women's participation in peace and security initiatives. The project will work with local governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to achieve these goals. PLGP has consistently adapted to the challenges of major reforms undertaken in Albania and has responded to USAID's priorities. The project has made significant contributions to the country's development, including the reduction of the number of local governments from 373 to 61 after the enactment of TAR. The election of mayors and municipal councils in 2015 represented a significant change to Albania's system of local government, and PLGP has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of TAR. The project has also supported the advancement of decentralization reforms and the continuation of efforts to build the capacity of public officials and institutions at both the national and local levels. PLGP has worked with local governments to improve their revenue potential and systems, as well as to promote economic development planning and implementation. The project has also supported the creation or strengthening of civil society organizations that can interface with and provide oversight to local governments. In Year Nine, PLGP will focus on scaling up activities and achieving the project's objectives in the area of Women, Peace, and Security. The project will work with local governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen civic engagement to counter violent extremism and promote women's participation in peace and security initiatives.