March 2016-March 2019 I Implementer: DAI

The Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency (LEGIT) program seeks to increase accountability, transparency, and effectiveness with respect to sub-national government resources in Liberia. LEGIT will provide support to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Governance Commission as they lead, monitor, and coordinate the implementation of the Government’s decentralization agenda. LEGIT will also strengthen subnational institutions in at least three counties and three cities so that they can be more transparent and responsive to citizens with respect to information on how public resources are used at sub-national levels.

LEGIT will support decision-making approaches that enhance citizen participation in the governing process, particularly at the sub-national level. Lastly, LEGIT will focus on developing and strengthening working relationships between government and citizens.

Current Activities

LEGIT has four complementary components:

• Increase the capacity of Government of Liberia institutions to make incremental and sustained progress in the implementation of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance:
  • Supporting the development of decentralization-related policies, standard operating procedures, and work plans
  • Conducting training and capacity building USAID LEGIT PROGRAM | OCTOBER 2016 For more information: https://www.usaid.gov/liberia
  • Improving GOL monitoring, assessments, and reporting
  • Strengthening decentralization coordination

Planned Outcomes

• Improved performance and strengthened capacity of county administrations to coordinate and provide oversight of Government of Liberia activities across sectors: - Supporting subnational partners to deliver services that are responsive to local needs
• Improved capacity of cities to manage revenues and deliver key services: - Increasing revenue collection and improving management of funds by city government
• Increased citizen representation in planning and decision-making regarding service delivery in counties and cities: - Strengthening citizen participation and inclusion in planning, delivery, and evaluation of services
• Improving citizen awareness about decentralization initiative