Impact of Investing in Cities and Local Governments on Democratic Development: A USAID Perspective

It highlights the link between urbanization and democracy, citing academic literature that suggests that urbanization can catalyze coordinated public action, increase demand for democracy, and foster civic capital. The document also describes the Making Cities Work (MCW) program, which aims to improve urban governance and advance democratic outcomes. The program's investments in local governments have led to increased transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, ultimately contributing to more democratic practices and better public services. The document also explores the connection between MCW and the 2024 Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Policy, outlining how USAID's urban investments can support the policy's four pivots: harnessing influence and development programs to pursue democratic progress, intensifying focus on norms and values that build social cohesion, advancing digital democracy, and elevating anti-corruption efforts.