Background and Objectives:
Stabilization in Kosovo depends to a large extent on sustained economic growth, social integration and democratic institutions. In the last few years, Kosovo has faced an unprecedented construction boom and growth of urban areas caused by migration.

Cities were not prepared for such an influx of population and development activities and they faced uncontrolled chaotic growth due to their limited capacities of municipal infrastructure and services, congested inner-city traffic and lack of spatial and urban development planning. 

The objectives of the project are to:

• Assist municipalities in drafting municipal and urban development plans.
• Strengthen understanding between municipal and national level on issues related to local level policy, legislative and planning issues.
• Build capacities and facilitate a dialogue between civil society organizations and private sector.
• Improve local urban governance.
• Support action plans and assist in developing projects identified through the planning process.

Activities:
The main activities include:

• Cooperating with municipalities in planning activities.
• Strengthening capacities of local planners to meet EU requirements and other international planning standards.
• Assisting municipalities in preparation of public consultations and public debates on local development issues.
• Supporting municipalities in monitoring their plans.
• Capacity building and experience sharing events.
• Contributing to the development of policies and legislation on spatial and municipal/ urban planning.
• Providing legal advice to municipalities on the implementation of guidelines and recommendations related to informal settlements.
• Supporting cooperation between civil society and local governments on local development issues.
• Identifying pilot/demonstration projects.
• Strengthening capacities of municipalities to improve management and encourage transparency.
  

Results:

• New planning methods accepted as standard at the central and local level.
• International principles and EU standards incorporated into spatial planning documents.
• Awareness among planners regarding international planning initiatives increased through their participation in European professional networks, experience-exchange events, etc.
• Effective municipal planning bodies set up in the municipalities.
• Municipalities developed Municipal/Urban Development plans through participatory and gender–sensitive approaches.
• Action plans for demonstration/pilot projects prepared, including projects addressing the challenges of Informal Settlements.
• Awareness of best practices increased in the field of urban/municipal planning and management.
• Understanding of the planning process among Civil Society Organizations and NGOs increased.
• Closer cooperation and dialogue between central and local level authorities on policy and planning and legislative issues.