Since 2001 the Center supported by a cooperative agreement with USAID has provided technical assistance to more than 880 municipalities in Lebanon to strengthen these institutions and increase their effectiveness in playing their roles in supporting democracy. Recognizing the critical role of local government in economic growth and revival, USAID initially funded a pilot project in 1998 implemented by the Center for approximately 80 municipalities in Lebanon. Following the success of this project, USAID awarded grants in 2001 and 2004 in order to expand the municipal reform program geographically to all parts of the country and thematically to address additional strategic objectives of the agency.

Following the successful implementation of a pilot project that resulted in the comprehensive redesign and reengineering of municipal administrative and financial practices, the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MOIM) issued two orders during 2002-2003 mandating the use of the administrative and financial procedures and processes as developed by the Center by all municipalities in Lebanon.

Projects for local government have focused on strengthening the governing capacities of municipalities, curbing the spread of corruption, and enhancing citizen participation in decision-making processes. This implies redesign and restructuring of municipal work, including the simplification, standardization and automation of work processes in order to strengthen both human resource and financial management capabilities. It also involves training for municipal officials and staff, streamlining of intergovernmental relations, and providing information technology systems and equipment to municipalities. Activities have included workshops, training, development of customized computer applications and user guides, creation of interactive websites, organization of Citizen Reception Offices, and publication of municipal citizen guides.

In addition to the assistance provided to local government, since 1994 USAID and the Center have supported the key central oversight agencies, the Civil Service Board (CSB), the Central Inspection Board (CIB), and the Court of Audit (COA), with the objective of streamlining existing regulations and facilitating the creation of new regulations deemed necessary to strengthen the role of municipalities. At the same time, complementary technical assistance has been provided to the Lebanese Parliament to support its role as a democratic institution. A number of strategies, including policy dialogue trips, development of legal databases and reference guides, and creation of customized information systems, were utilized by SUNY/CLD to enhance the legislative capabilities of Parliament. The administrative work of Parliament was also reorganized and restructured through the introduction of the appropriate information technology systems and tools and through the specialized training of staff.