Civic Engagement: USAID Conference Showcases Successful Community Initiatives
Sarajevo, June 12, 2024 – Engaged citizens all over Bosnia and Herzegovina are teaming up with their local governments to improve public services and quality of life in their communities. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today held the “Empowering Citizens for Efficient Municipal Governance” conference to present an innovative model supported by the U.S. government through USAID that is giving citizens a voice in their communities.
Just over a year ago, the USAID Local Governance Assistance Activity began to establish Citizen Advisory Panels (CAPs) in each of the project’s 29 partner municipalities. These citizen-led, voluntary forums are bringing together government officials, civil society, businesses, and citizens to identify and address community priorities together. At the conference, representatives from CAPs in Gradačac, Šamac, Vareš, and Zavidovići, presented how they have successfully advocated for their local governments to increase budgets and prioritize initiatives around increased pedestrian safety, cleaner streets, new playgrounds, cleaner air, and other community improvements.
“Democracy is a partnership between responsive, transparent governments and active citizens. The results these CAPs have achieved in just a year is evidence that citizens can indeed make a difference. I hope these successes serve as an inspiration and example to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that they can play a part in advancing a brighter future for their families and communities,” said Courtney Chubb, USAID Mission Director in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Citizen Advisory Panels are working to improve living conditions in local communities. Vareš is one of the municipalities where cleanliness was a major issue. In search of the best solution, citizens mobilized their families, friends, and neighbors to participate in a public budget discussion, resulting in an impressive turnout. As a result, the budget item for City Hygiene and Street Maintenance increased from 30,000 KM in 2023 to 80,000 KM in 2024.
"We are the first Citizen Advisory Panel formed as part of the Local Governance Assistance Activity, and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to propose initiatives that improve the quality of life for Gradačac citizens. One of our projects currently underway is installing playground equipment in the city park, designed to be accessible for children with disabilities," said Kada Đedović, Citizen Advisory Panel Member.
The U.S. government is committed to supporting local governments, recognizing their crucial role in the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. USAID LGAA is strengthening the performance of partner municipalities to better plan for, manage, and improve quality of municipal service delivery, to promote sustainable local development, and increase transparency and accountability to citizens and businesses.
The U.S. Agency for International Development is leading the U.S. Government's efforts to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies. To date, the U.S. Government, primarily through USAID, has provided $2 billion in assistance to support economic, democratic and social progress in BiH.
To learn more about the USAID Local Governance Assistance Activity, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/bosnia-and-herzegovina/fact-sheets/apr-07-2023-fact-sheet-local-governance-assistance