The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) held a consultative meeting with local government units (LGUs) in the Jerusalem governorate. Attended by a number of LGU Mayors from across the governorate, the meeting was held as part of APLA’s close follow-up on developments concerning the situation of local governance and legislation regulating the LGU functions, most notably the Draft Law on the Election of Local Government Unit Councils. 

The meeting addressed a set of pressing issues facing LGUs in Jerusalem, particularly given the exceptional circumstances the governorate encounters and resulting administrative and national challenges that weigh heavily on LGU performance and capacity to deliver basic services. Part of the discussion was dedicated to reviewing articles of the draft election law. Participants voiced several substantive comments, stressing the need for the law to be grounded in a framework of national dialogue and to take into account the unique legal and political status of the Jerusalem governorate.

The meeting is one in a series of consultations that APLA is holding across Palestinian governorates, reflecting its steadfast approach to engaging LGUs in drafting national legislation and policies related to local governance. This activity underscores the essential role of LGUs in advancing good governance and consolidating sound administration at the grassroots level.