Strengthening the capacity of local governments to develop and implement development strategies in Ukrainian municipalities (IMPACT-Zhytomyr 3.0)

Democracy and Rule of Law

Ukraine

8VS1-VM-UA-IMPACT26

Timeframe 01.06.2026-30.11.2027 Aktiivne

Target group Žõtomõri oblasti omavalitsused

Budget 300 000 EUR

Funders

ESTDEV

Partners

Visionest Institute OÜ

The decentralization process in Ukraine, which began in 2019, is aimed at empowering local communities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 significantly changed the needs of the regions and highlighted the critical need to strengthen the administrative and development capacity at the local level.

To this end, the IMPACT Zhytomyr program was launched in 2024, with the aim of increasing the project competence of local government leaders and specialists in the Zhytomyr region. The program created a solid foundation for understanding the principles of project management and led to the preparation of more than 60 project proposals. 17 project teams refined their ideas with the support of mentors, demonstrating strong commitment. Feedback and results from participants confirmed that individual, consistent and targeted support allows for significant development even in difficult circumstances.

IMPACT Zhytomyr 3.0 is a continuation of the original project, which aims to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of development initiatives by providing more consistent and targeted support than before. There is also a desire to help those municipalities whose development plans are still being completed.

Project objectives

The objective of this project is to support municipalities in Zhytomyr region in the preparation of evidence-based and participatory development strategies and in establishing the management and planning systems required for their effective implementation.

Actions and results

A total of 11 municipalities will be supported under the project, of which four do not have an approved development strategy and other are currently developing a strategy or require additional support for its implementation.

The project will provide municipalities with advisory support, training, and mentoring to assist participants in analysing local development needs, defining development priorities, identifying investment priorities, and linking strategic objectives with municipal budgeting and potential funding sources. As a result of the project, development strategies, action plans, prioritised investment project lists, and strategy implementation and monitoring frameworks will be prepared or further strengthened.

The programme focuses on practical advisory support, mentoring, and capacity development, helping municipalities prepare realistic and implementable development strategies, strengthen strategic management capacity, and create the conditions for sustainable local development, improved public service delivery, and more effective use of international development assistance. The project will also contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and the implementation of reforms related to European integration through strengthened local government capacity.

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