press releases 2009

USAID to increase assistance to municipalities

June 18, 2009

Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud to provide technical assistance to municipalities throughout Lebanon for carrying out the 2010 municipal elections.

Building on the achievements of previous USAID programs to assist Lebanon’s municipalities, this new initiative will address several key issues facing municipalities related to the municipal elections scheduled for 2010.  The State University of New York at Albany/Center of Legislative Development will implement the project.  

In addition to the assistance to many municipalities regarding the elections, USAID will work with major municipalities, including Beirut, Tripoli, Zahle, Saida, Baabda and Bourj Hammoud, on the modernization of their administrative organizational structures.

This $9.3 million assistance will improve municipal performance and underscores the U.S. Government’s commitment to the Lebanese people.