Ukraine Local Governance Project Evaluation

The project aimed to strengthen local governance in Ukraine through the development of a legal basis for consolidation, provision of technical advice for central, regional, and local authorities, and introduction of practical models and tools at the municipal level. The LGP activities were implemented in 21 municipalities across seven oblasts, with a focus on supporting local governments in managing resources and services effectively. The project also aimed to promote decentralization and improve the capacity of local authorities to deliver services to residents. The LGP was supported by USAID/Ukraine, which provided funding and technical assistance to the project. The evaluation of the LGP used a mixed-methods approach, involving the review of relevant documents, surveys of key informants and residents of assisted municipalities, and interviews with 156 key informants. The evaluation team found that the development hypothesis of the LGP is largely valid and could be further refined. The project helped to strengthen local governance in Ukraine through its three activities and made significant progress toward realizing expected results. However, the evaluation also identified some challenges and areas for improvement. The two main activities, PULSE and DOBRE, did not cooperate closely in helping local governments manage resources and services effectively. Additionally, there was a need for further support in the development and adoption of the local governance strategy. The evaluation identified five areas for future assistance, including further support for decentralization legislation and municipal capacity development, better coordination between USAID implementers and with other donors, and expanding LGP support to more municipalities. The evaluation team made 17 recommendations for future USAID support for local governance in Ukraine. These recommendations included further support for decentralization legislation and municipal capacity development, better coordination between USAID implementers and with other donors, and expanding LGP support to more municipalities. The evaluation also highlighted the importance of continued support for the development of a local governance strategy and the need for better coordination between the LGP activities. The LGP activities were implemented in a challenging context, with ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and a complex political and economic environment. Despite these challenges, the project made significant progress in strengthening local governance in Ukraine and improving the capacity of local authorities to deliver services to residents. The evaluation of the LGP provides valuable lessons for future USAID support for local governance in Ukraine and highlights the importance of continued support for decentralization and municipal capacity development. The LGP activities were supported by a range of stakeholders, including the Government of Ukraine, civil society organizations, and international donors. The project also engaged with local communities and residents, providing them with opportunities to participate in decision-making and service delivery. The evaluation of the LGP highlights the importance of community engagement and participation in local governance and the need for continued support for these efforts. Overall, the LGP evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of the project's achievements and challenges, highlighting the importance of continued support for decentralization and municipal capacity development in Ukraine. The evaluation's recommendations provide a roadmap for future USAID support for local governance in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for better coordination between implementers and with other donors, and expanding support to more municipalities.