Through work that ranges from hands-on technical assistance to conceptual studies, the International Activities Center (IAC) works with developing and transitional countries around the world to engage citizens for better governance and to reform financial and housing systems.

In 2006, we continued pivotal work on helping local governments become more capable and accountable. In Albania, for example, IAC's methodologies and assistance resulted in measurable improvements in local government service delivery in over 50 municipalities. In Serbia, we trained local governments how to compete for foreign investment. Our staff also worked with the national governments of Peru and Korea to encourage results-based governance.

IAC successfully integrated citizens into governance projects around the world, achieving visible results and improving government transparency in hundreds of communities. In Georgia, we worked to boost local economic development by involving citizens, non-governmental organizations, and businesses in the planning process. In 22 rural Russian communities, IAC implemented a participatory budgeting program that spurred local governments to respond more to their citizens. In Tajikistan, first-ever public hearings attracted nearly 10,000 citizens.

IAC expanded its work in the field of urban development in 2006. In India, we advised the Delhi Municipal Authority on how to improve property rights and access to municipal services in informal settlements. We also provided regional and local governments in Ethiopia with a framework for developing urban centers in two major regions. These Regional Urban Development Strategies provided governments with a long-term view of how to facilitate positive social and economic development in their regions.

Managing Government Property Assets, (UI Press, 2006) edited by IAC's Olga Kaganova offered an international perspective on public ownership of land and buildings. In it, 16 scholars from 7 countries bridged the gap between the countries with innovative reform and the majority of countries still struggling with the task.

In 2006, IAC also expanded its efforts to develop mortgage finance and microfinance for housing. In Kenya, that meant an assessment of the mortgage sector, and in Tanzania, government assistance to develop a plan for microfinance for housing. In Eastern Europe, we organized a major international conference, Mortgage Finance in Southeast Europe: Heading Toward International Best Practice, the culmination of the highly influential Southeast Europe Mortgage Finance Project.

Center Staff
Center Publications