The budget framework, a challenge for municipal development

Today, at the premises of the KLGI Institute, the first session of the thematic group “Local Economic Development, Local Finance and Capital Investment” was held, addressing a series of topics important for the local level, starting with those related to budgeting, investment planning and sustainable local development. The objectives and agenda of the following sessions were also set, so that the drafting of the policy paper for the local level can be completed without delay.

In addition to an open discussion on the key challenges in these sectors, it was agreed that the topics of interest to be addressed by the thematic group are: the need to move from the current budgeting framework to an integrated planning approach; a review of legislation in the fields of economic development, giving municipalities the opportunity to strengthen this sector directly; an analysis of the approach to drafting strategic development documents; the need for balanced regional development; strengthening municipalities through development loans; and taking on advanced regional practices.

Above all, the focus should be on strengthening municipalities in absorbing and managing development funds and donations. The engagement will also extend to identifying challenges, sharing good practice across municipalities and finding solutions to key problems.

In its first phase, through thematic groups, the LGA – Empower Programme aims to engage in focused discussions, advocacy and addressing sustainable sectoral policies and programmes, advancing functional policies, and providing recommendations and options for the actors engaged at local level. The next phase concerns facilitating experts for the thematic groups in drafting sustainable policies and programmes for the local level.

The programme is supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo.