With support from the French Consulate General in Jerusalem and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) has launched the Empowerment of Local Government Units (LGUs) through Local Economic Development Grants project. Seeking to promote local development, the project empowers LGUs to play a greater role in economic and social development in Palestine. With and total support of 595 000€ including grants of up to 36,000€, it will provide financial support to a minimum of 12 LGUs to implement responsive and inclusive development projects.

The project is part of the ongoing efforts to promote local sustainable development and make tangible progress in the lives of Palestinian citizens by empowering and improving administrative and financial capacities of LGUs. It provides financial and technical support to LGUs to implement development projects that meet local community needs, contributing to enhancing public service delivery and fostering local economic development. The project also includes training programmes and workshops to build the capacity of LGU staff in planning as well as in financial and project management.

Grants support a wide range of projects, which aim at enhancing public service provision. These include small and medium enterprises to create sustainable employment opportunities; environmental protection initiatives (e.g., waste recycling and renewable energy development); preservation of cultural heritage by restoring archaeological and historic sites; promotion of sustainable agriculture and rural development; economic and social empowerment of women; and investment in the potential of young people by supporting youth entrepreneurial initiatives. Additionally, grants will cover emergency interventions in response to crises and emergencies that might face LGUs.