The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) has approved the partnership and cooperation agreement terms, expected to be signed at the end of this month with the International City Managers Association (ICMA). That came during the 9th Executive Committee meeting held in Ramallah City chaired by APLA's president Eng. Mousa Hadid.

The Executive Committee stressed the importance of this agreement that will open the doors before Palestinian City Managers to exchange expertise allowing them to learn from the peers around the world. The agreement will also build a long-term partnership between APLA and ICMA among a close collaboration to establish a Palestinian City Manager Network (PCMN).

On another note, APLA's Executive Committee discussed the proposed amendments on the Local Authorities staff bylaw and approved its recommendation to be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government during the next few days. As well as, discussing the proposed "Slaughterhouse bylaw in the Local Governance area" and approved the amendments and notes to be presented to the Ministry.

The Executive Committee renewed its rejection towards the Ministry of Finance procedures, especially the Income Tax Department and the obstacles these procedures cause on Local Authorities.  Stressing the need to exempt Local Authorities entirely from the income tax taking into consideration their work nature, this is based primarily on serving citizen on behalf of the Central Government.  

The Executive Committee also stressed the importance of transferring the Local Authorities' receivables by the Ministry of Finance on time and without any delay.

APLA's Executive Committee displayed the ongoing preparations in each governorate amid the arrangements for holding APLA’s General Assembly meeting.