Local Government rebuilding assistance

USAID Press Release: USAID Awards Iraq Local Governance Contract

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced an initial $7.9 million award to the North Carolina-based Research Triangle Institute (RTI) to promote Iraqi participation in Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction. Providing the people of Iraq, and in particular women, the opportunity to participate in public decision-making and stimulate local initiatives is a key component of the U.S. government's assistance program for Iraq.

Under the USAID contract RTI will provide technical assistance to strengthen local administrations, civic institutions and civil society. RTI, an independent, non-profit organization based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, will create programs to increase management skills, knowledge and capacity of local administrators to direct services such as water, health, and public sanitation and in areas such as economic governance.

A provision in the contract allows RTI to authorize grants to both Iraqi and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve municipal infrastructure, assist local NGOs with capacity building and undertake training programs in communications, conflict resolution, leadership skills and political analysis. All activities under the RTI contract will target underrepresented or "at risk" groups, including organizations that promote women's rights and strive to help youth and minority groups to participate in the political process.