The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) conducted a workshop through the Public Relations Hub on innovative marketing of local authorities, with the participation of 17 representatives from public relations and media departments at local authorities with the aim of exploring marketing strategies of local authorities and how develop and implement them.

The training started with APLA's Activities Coordinator, Shurouq Rabee' welcoming the participants and presenting the most important dimensions that will be worked on during the next months through the Public Relations Hub, explaining that these dimensions will be developed in consultation with the Platform's members and based on their priorities.

The consultant, Al'a Abu Ali gave a presentation on the importance of marketing local authorities and the key steps and phases that will be implemented through the marketing strategy that will allow each local authority the opportunity to invent a brand for its areas and link it to marketing the local authority. He pointed out the importance of utilizing social media outlets and integrating it in the marketing process, using of uncommon means of promotion and attracting attention, thinking outside of the box and avoiding the stereotypical means of promotion.

Whereas, representatives of local authorities presented some models and examples implemented within their local authorities, in addition to the challenges and hardships they faced in some phases. They indicated the importance of activating exchanges among local authorities with this regard in order to share the best practices, which shall enhance the concept of marketing of local authorities.

It is worth mentioning that this workshop was conducted under the Technical Hub Program for local authorities, implemented in partnership between APLA and LGRP-GIZ, given that it includes five Hubs: Public Relations Hub; Engineering and Planning Hub; Financial Hub; Village Councils Hub; and Innovation Hub.