USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PROGRAMS: Encouraging Good Governance
Sound local governance
Citizens need good government services and leaders who address public needs. USAID works with about 900 municipalities to generate revenue through better tax collection, install software to manage the tax system, and produce publications that alert citizens to the processes and paperwork needed to accomplish routine tasks. All of these additions have decreased corruption and increased revenues by 30 percent. Public accounts are now online in many municipalities. With more information, the public has a voice in how their taxes are used. Public education campaigns have raised awareness that paying taxes leads to better services.

Responsive parliament
At the national level, USAID works with the parliament to update laws related to municipalities. USAID also encourages the Ministry of Municipalities to work closely with its local counterparts and ensure they receive the funds necessary to provide basic services.

Civil society
Other projects work directly with civil society organizations. USAID helps organizations develop sound financial systems. It supports efforts to fight corruption, such as including Lebanon onto Transparency International’s corruption index. USAID also funds materials that educate people on their rights, such as translating laws for the disabled into Braille.
Photo of about 25 Youth Environment Parliament members and Member of Parliament Akhram Sheyhayb meeting around a large table at the Lebanese Parliament.
Members of the Youth Environment Parliament meet with Member of Parliament Akhram Sheyhayb, Head of the Environment Committee, at the Parliament. The youth are elected annually by their peers to give youth a voice in helping enforce environmental laws.

PROGRAM NEWS

2/19/2009: U.S. Government and the Municipality of Sin El Fil Launch the “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille

2/19/2009: USAID Launches “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille

2/2/2009: USAID Launches Program to Modernize Tax Information and Citizen Reception Office

1/29/2009: US Government and the Municipality of Beirut Launch Program to Modernize Tax Information and the Citizen Reception Office

12/11/2008: USAID Funds Municipal Citizen Guide for Batroun

12/4/2008: U.S. Government Launches New Website and Municipal Citizen Guide for the Municipality of Batroun

12/3/2008: U.S. Government Launches Portal and Information Database for the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

12/2/2008: USAID Launches New TRA Website

10/1/2008: USAID Launches E-Municipality Initiative

7/24/2008: Training Program Strengthens Rural Municipalities

6/18/2008: U.S.Chargé d’Affaires Michele J. Sison Visits the Nabatiyeh Area

5/8/2008: U.S. Embassy Announces $14 Million To Assist Municipalities Implement Economic Programs

4/24/2008: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a. i. Michele J. Sison inaugurates the E-Municipality Initiative in Jounieh

3/19/2008: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison Visited USAID Projects in the Chouf

2/29/2008: USAID Awards $7 million for Judicial Reform

1/4/2008: With USAID Funding Municipal Employees Receive Training for Better Efficiency

PARTNERS