A. For our organization, the relative importance of these various problems in improving LGs is as follows:

• Dated legislation framing intergovernmental relationships
• Weak inistitutional capacity of LGs
• Lack of resources or right incentives for LGs to raise sufficient revenue

[Please indicate priority of each with 1, 2 or 3, with 1=most important and 3=least important]

B. Are there other important impediments to successful decentralization that need to be identified and addressed?

[Pease give examples with which you are familiar, if available]

 Topic 2 – Focus on Local Government Operations

In Section II the Bank’s prior operations with local governments are summarized. The Section concludes that "…Bank operations for local development will have to give priority to issues concerning the institutional capacity of LGs including: the reform of the intergovernmental fiscal and legal relations, the quality of community involvement in local decision-making, and many other dimensions of the decentralization process that are critical for LGs to become efficient providers of services and well developed democratic governments."

In Section IV the main objective of the new strategy is described as follows: The Bank "will have to place the institutional and governance aspects of the decentralization process as the central focus of its operations, complementing the traditional emphasis on infrastructure and services financing."

C. The most effective way for the Bank to support decentralization and local development is by focusing principally on improvements in "institutions and governance.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly]

Our group will support these efforts in you own community in the following ways: 

    BANK PROGRAM AREAS (Sections III, V, and VI)

Topic 3 – Identification of Four Program Areas

In Section III, four key program areas are identified which will "turn local governments into more efficient and democratic entities." They are:

1. Inter-Governmental Relationships (including assignment of responsibilities among central and local governments and fiscal policies)
2. Governance (including LG administrative and fiscal reforms, community involvement, transparency and accountability)
3. Provision of Services by LGs (including privatization and regulatory issues)
4. Local Economic Development (governmental efforts to promote economic growth)

D. For our organization, the relative importance of each of these four areas to improving local development and decentralization is as follows:

• Inter-Governmental Relationships
• Governance
• Provision of Services
• Local Economic Development

[Please indicate priority of each with 1 to 4, with 1=most important and 4=least important]

E. Our organization suggests the following additional areas we consider important for Bank programs to focus upon to improve local development and decentralization.:

[Please give examples or illustrations to support your suggestion.]

Topic 4 – What the Bank Finances: The Use of Bank Resources for Local Government Development

In various places,the Profile lists three potential ways Bank resources might be used to improve local government operations: (a) to finance public works; (b) to finance technical assistance and other costs involved to achieve administrative and fiscal reforms; and (c) for general budget support, in return for adoption of policy reforms, or so-called "policy-based"lending. . In Section VII, the Profile indicates that the Local Development Strategy will likely involve policy-based lending tied to carrying out reforms.

 

E. In the view of our organization, Bank lending to LGs should give priority to financing:

• only local public works
• only technical support
• only policy-based programs for reform
• LG development needs in general
• None of the suggested programs

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

F. From your experience, what special cautions or considerations should the Bank take into consideration in designing its LG lending program in these areas? Please offer cases or illustrations.

2.1 INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS

Topic 5 – Citizen Involvement with Government Officials and Bank Technicians in Public Policy Decisions

The Profile gives specific attention to civil society engagement with LG including operations that address (1) the division of responsibilities between central and local governments and (2) the financing of local government In section III, , the following statements are offered on these topics:

Assignment of Responsibilities:

• "Confusion about the assignment of responsibilities prevents accountability in front of constituencies, complicates cost recovery for service provision and the effective evaluation of the quality of the services provided"

Fiscal Policies:

• "Local taxes are not defined in correspondence with the local services they finance."
• "Intergovernmental transfers usually are poorly designed, non-transparent and erratically implemented."
• "Borrowing creates opportunities for wasteful and inefficient resource allocation if not carefully monitored."
• "Transparency of decision-making can significantly reduce waste and corruption."

F. Our organization has the following suggestions regarding how the Bank can help ensure that citizens are more adequately involved in decisions made in Bank-supported projects on the division of governmental responsibilities, taxes, public borrowing and public expenditures:

[Please give examples from your own communities]

Topic 6 –Inter-Governmental Relations

In Section V, the Profile says that the Bank will support revenue sharing by the central government with LGs, and central government "institutional support" to LGs. At the sub-national level, "the focus will be on reforms to improve governance, own resource mobilization and resource allocation, and the promotion of economic development."

G. Our organization believes the assistance indicated in the Profile is complete and appropriate.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

We have the following additional suggestions of areas that should receive priority attention:

2.2 GOVERNANCE

 
Topic 7 - IDB Assistance to Improve Governance in Small, Medium and Large LGs. 

The Bank operations to improve governance will address: (1) administrative and fiscal reforms; (2) associations of communities; (3) community involvement; and (4) transparency and accountability in government. The Profile proposes goals for decentralization and democratization of decision-making, community involvement in decision-making, and transparency and accountability in government operations.

In Section VI, the Profile indicates two ways that loans and technical assistance can be used for improving governance: (1)"the rationalization of administrative procedures, staffing policies and human resource restructuring"; and (2)"reforms to decision-making procedures to increase community participation and improve accountability."

In Section III , the Profile states that large local governments may only require complementary "long-term financing to cover the cost of reforms and maintain minimum levels of investment." Medium-size LGs "will benefit from assistance to design, finance and execute suitable reforms." Small LGs, however, are likely to "require support to strengthen their capacity to raise revenue, allocate resources and manage services."

H. Our organization believes that the types of Bank assistance to LGs proposed in the Profile will adequately address governance problems in our own local government.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

 What additional kinds of help do you believe are needed in your communities?

[Pleaseamples or illustrations of your suggestions]

Topic 8 - Community Involvement:

The Profile outlines an approach to improved community involvement which would focus on activities to establish and strengthen channels which local governments use to facilitate community participation in decision-making. In Section III, the Profile says that "development of effective channels for the community to participate in the selection, design, execution and supervision of programs merits further attention." Section V states that "the Strategy will address institutional and fiscal reforms to improve public involvement in decision-making and resource allocation."

I. The Bank can usefully assist local governments in designing or improving the channels for citizen participation in decision-making.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

Do you have specific suggestions for improving how civil society can more fully participate in local governments?

[Please give examples or illustrations of your suggestions]

Can you suggest principles and policies the Bank might follow to promote greater citizen participation?

Topic 9 - Transparency and Accountability:

Even though the Profile clearly supports the idea, it does not contain explicit suggestions for the programs that might be financed that directly seek to improve transparency and accountability. .

J. Can you suggest examples of collaboration between governments and citizens which are in place that improve citizen oversight of government operations? Please be specific.

Topic 10 – Citizen Involvement in Provision of Community Services

 The Profile foresees significant Bank operations of two sorts related to community services: (1) support for privatization of services now being offered by local governments and regulation of privatized service providers; and (2) improved financing and management of health, education and social development services provided by local governments.

K. Our organization endorses greater privatization of services provided by LGs.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

 K2. Our organization endorses privatization of the following services now provided by central or local government:

• health
• education
• social development

[Please answer with "1" to "5";. Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

K3 Our organization has specific experience with providing social services (health, education, welfare support, etc.), with financial support from local governments. Yes No

 If "yes", was your experience generally successful or otherwise? Please explain.

K4. Can you suggest ways in which Bank programs for provision of community services can be used to promote better citizen participation, or how citizens can get more fully involved:

• a. In decisions regarding which services are provided by public versus private entities?
  

• b. In decisions regarding the legal framework governing private involvement in service provision?
  

• c. In decisions to allow NGOs to provide community services?
  

• d. In monitoring the quality of services which local governments continue to provide?
  

• e. In programs by local governments to regulate private firms providing community services to ensure quality and access to them by all consumers?
  

2.4 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Topic 11 –Local Development Promotion Programs.

The Profile cites a number of ways in which the Bank could work with central and local governments wishing to promote business growth.

L1. Our organization supports expansion of LG programs for local economic development through incentives for private, for-profit business and investment?

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

L2. Our organization supports LG programs that gives incentives for expansion of activities by organizations in the private not-for-profit sector.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

M1. Topic 12 – Civil Society in Local Development Planning.

 Is there an example from your communities of successful cooperation of business, non-profit and government organizations in preparation of local economic development plans? Yes No

[Please provide details]

M2. Can you suggest ways to secure greater cooperation ?

{Please provide details]

Topic 13 – Waste and Fraud

N1. Can you suggest ways to gain greater citizen involvement as a means of avoiding waste and fraud in decisions on the use of public revenue for investment and business promotion?

N2 Does your own local government require open reporting and bidding to promotegreater transparency and accountability? Yes No

N3  In your judgment, are the current practices effective in limiting waste and fraud in your local government?
Yes No

N4 Please describe any experience of your organization of effective remedies or ways to avoid fraud and waste in carrying out LG programs.

O. Topic 14 – Sustainable Development Criteria

Is there any example in your community of citizen involvement in establishing and monitoring community progress regarding sustainable development, environmental protection or equity?

[Please provide details].

B. POLICY AND OPERATIONAL ISSUES FOR BANK

1. POLICY ISSUES (Section VIII)

In Section VII, the Profile identifies areas in which new operating policies may be needed to enable the Bank to undertake in the proposed local government development operations. Three areas are mentioned:

(1) the availability of central governments or other counterpart funds for LG projects and/or compliance of LGs with contractual performance covenants;

(2) whether to develop a new type of policy-based loan for LG reforms; and

(3) whether the Bank will lend directly to LGs without a central government guarantee.

 

The inclusion of a section in the Profile on policy implications for the Bank offers CSOs an opportunity to suggest changes in Bank operating policies in other areas so as to enhance the participation of civil society in Bank-supported local government development programs.

 

Topic 15 – Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities in Policy Dialogue

Several stakeholders have a role to play in the determination of local development policies when IDB resources are involved: Bank personnel, central governments, local governments, CSOs and citizens. Traditionally, the Bank has considered its clients to be central governments.* References in the Profile to policy dialogue by the Bank refer to dialogue between officers of the Bank and central government officials.

P1. In the experience of your organization, how can an NGO best demonstrate its legitimacy in speaking for its consituency? {Please check the items which describe your views]

By being a membership organization

By consulting with consituents in an open and transparent manner

By other means Please specify

P2 As part of its new local government development policy, the Bank should require that LGs achieve dialogue with civil society and its organizations.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

P3 Officials of the Bank itself should carry out dialogues with local government officials and civil society representatives in addition to central government officials.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

2. OPERATIONAL ISSUES (See Section VII)

 Topic 16 - Bank Practices to Promote Civil Society Participation in LG Development Programs:

The Profile recognizes that increasing citizen participation in Bank-supported programs will require changes in the Bank’s operating practices in order to create appropriate opportunities

In Section VII, the Profile identifies issues the Bank needs to consider if it is to implement a new strategy, even though the Profile does not directly address facilitation of citizen participation. Among key issues cited are availability of human and financial resources within the Bank, transaction costs, the need to develop new tools for program assistance, evaluations, and coordination within the Bank and with other agencies.

Q1 .Can you suggest any specific practices the Bank might adopt to increase citizen participation ?

The Profile states: "Sector work must be completed in advance of programming to support policy dialogue." This practice could make it difficult for civil society to participate in the analysis and identification of policy reforms unless the Bank takes steps to ensure that its staff, when preparing sector analyses, consult adequately with civil society representatives.

 

Q2 Can you suggest how the Bank might promote improved collaboration among Bank staff, government officials and CSOs in its sector analysis work?

{Please be specific]

Topic 17 –CSO Engagement in Bank Program Development and Evaluation

The discussion of additional transaction costs, the Profile notes the shortage of technical specialists within the Bank to deal with LG development. The Profile section on evaluation notes how challenging it will be for the current staff of the Bank to carry out evaluations of its LG development efforts

R1. Civil society organizations can and should assist the Bank with the program development and evaluation.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

 R2 There are substantial disadvantages to civil society organizations collaborating closely with the Bank in its local government project design and evaluation activities.

[Please answer with "1" to "5". Agree Strongly=5; Disagree Strongly=1]

Topic 18 – General Comments

S. On a scale of one to five (with one meaning "very low opinion" or "strongly disagree," and a five means "excellent" or "fully agree"), please provide your views on the following:

1. The Draft Strategy Profile gives full and sympathetic attention to the problems of civil society engagement in local government operations.
2. If the Bank expands its lending and related programs with local governments in our community, it will lead to important improvements in the quality of local services.
3. If the Bank expands its lending and related programs with local governments in our community, it will lead to important improvements in the degree and effectiveness of citizen participation.
4. If the Bank expands its lending and related programs with local governments in our community, it will lead to important reductions in waste and fraud.

S5. Could you suggest specific ways in which this consultation procedure could be more effective?

3. NEXT STEPS (See Section IX)

Topic 19 – Need for Operational Guidelines

Based on the Strategy Profile approved by the Board, the Bank will proceed to prepare its Background Document and Strategy Paper. If required, the Strategy Paper will be eventually complemented with "Operational Guidelines to assist teams in developing specific activities envisaged in the Strategy."

The Background Document will be enhanced by the your providing the following kinds of information:

• Identification of specific issues that require research
• Identification of useful research on issues related to topics identified in the Profile. (If published, indicate where the study can be obtained. If not published, please try to make a copy available to the Bank.)
• Identification of specific cases of civil society involvement with local governments from which useful lessons can be learned. (Please indicate individuals of offices that can be contacted.)

T. Please fill out the following information for statistical purposes.

Name of Organization

City   State Country

Year your organization was established:

 Please choose the one category that best describes your organization: Academic Business/Trade Charitable Community Based/Grassroots Consultant Grant giving Foundation Non Governmental Trade Association /Federation Training/Capacity -building User association

 Which of the following is the MAIN FOCUS of your organization: Urban Rural

Please select all program areas your organization currently works in:

• Advocacy
• Agricultural Extension/Rural Issues
• Community Development
• Dispute/Conflict Resolution
• Drugs
• Education
• Emergency/Disaster Response
• Environment and Conservation
• Gender Issues
• Health/Nutrition Issues
• Indigenous Issues
• Labor Issues
• Micro-credit
• Minority/Racial Issues
• Social Service Delivery
• Urban Poverty
• Workforce training
• Youth and Children at Risk

 Please indicate the size of your organization in terms of the number of people in your "workforce." Include everyone who works 12 or more hours a week for your organization, paid or voluntary:

• 1-5
• 6-10
• 15-20
• 20-25
• over 25

 Have you been involved with a local government entity during the last twelve months under any of the following circumstances?
No contact opositionsupport

Estimated contacts in the last year

• Consultation regarding possible involvement in projects:

estimated contacts in the last year

• Coordination with ongoing projects: estimated contacts in the last year
• Contracted by local government: estimated contacts in the last year