Fiscal Decentralization
The NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization consists of regional experts in local and intergovernmental finances representing member associations. The host association for this Task Force is the National Association of Local Governments of Bulgaria (NAMRB).
Latest Task Forces
-
Energy Efficiency
The NALAS Task Force on Energy Efficiency addresses the increasing issues with energy in South East Europe. As energy efficiency is an interdisciplinary field, this task brings together energy experts, municipal energy managers, mayors and other professionals who contribute together in mitigating the energy problems by proposing changes in the legislation, collecting best practices, encouraging better use of the available energy and employing renewable sources of energy.
-
Urban Planning
The NALAS Task Force on Urban Planning consists of regional urban planning experts representing member associations. It tackles urban planning issues common in the region, such us integration of informal settlements, inclusion of more stakeholders in the urban planning process and collection and analysis of the right parameters in what is known as "urban economics".
-
Sustainable Tourism
The NALAS Task Force on Sustainable Tourism is an emerging task force aimed to encourage tourism development in South East Europe based on sustainability principles. The role of the Task Force is to promote tourism policy, governance and operations that respect and protect the environment and biodiversity and foster social inclusion, while creating employment and income earning opportunities and contributing to socio-economic growth. This Task Force is hosted by the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
-
Fiscal Decentralization
The NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization consists of regional experts in local and intergovernmental finances representing member associations. The host association for this Task Force is the National Association of Local Governments of Bulgaria (NAMRB).
- View all
-
Recession support for councils 29.07.2008
Read more
The Local Government Association has gathered and published very valuable resources for addressing the current crisis by the local councils. The resources include frequently asked questions, policy and lobbying, research by LGA and guidelines on this topic.
-
Improvement of Local Property Tax Administration in South East Europe 09.07.2008
Read more
This publication contains guidance on the most critical tasks needed to improve local tax administration with a comparative analysis of the situation in SEE. It provides practical advice by specifying methods used for property identification, assessment of property and techniques of local property tax collection and enforcement. It presents good practices on property administration within the countries of South East Europe. Recent successful international programs in some SEE countries are also described.
-
How to Lead Successful Budget Negotiations? 01.07.2008
Read more
The publication "How to lead successful budget negotiations?" sets the conditions, objectives and modalities of successful cooperation during the budget negotiations process: no matter how well a framework legislation defines the rules governing municipal revenues and expenditures, there is always a need for structured continual dialogue between the national government and local governments. Therefore, the procedural rules of budget negotiation between the National Association of local governments and the Ministry of Finance are extremely significant tools in achieving fiscal objectives and protecting municipal interest in the course of drafting the annual national budget act. The recommendations presented in this publication were elaborated by the NAMRB Expert Team, with support of other NALAS members.
-
NALAS Members' Presidents Meeting in Budva, 27-28 June 2008 27.06.2008
Read more
Presidents and executives of NALAS Member Associations met in Budva on 27-28 June 2008 to discuss the role of Local Government Associations in negotiating better fiscal policies with their central government authorities. The Minister of Finance of Montenegro, Mr Igor Luksic and the Minister of Interior and Public Administration, Mr Jusuf Kalamperovic were guest speakers. The NALAS members presidents endorsed the draft municipal negotiation, which is the first product of the NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization led by the Bulgarian Association NAMRB. They shared their experiences in budget negotiations and developed several recommendations for follow up activities.
-
Fiscal Decentralization Task Force meeting in Pomorie, 5-7 June 07.06.2008
Read more
The fifth meeting of the NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization was held on 5-7 June in Pomorie, Bulgaria, in the framework of the XI National meeting of the finance officers from Bulgarian municipalities „The Municipal Finance – Expectations, Real Situations and Problems”. Municipal financial experts from 8 member associations participated at the event. The Task Force members assisted to the plenary sessions of the annual gathering of the Bulgarian Municipal Finance Officers, and had a chance to hear more about the experiences of the Bulgarian colleagues. The main discussions were held on the topic of implementation of the municipal budgets during the 2007 and tendencies for 2008, as well as on the practical impacts of new tax powers of the municipalities during the 2008.
-
Public-Sector-Reform-What-Works-and-Why 05.05.2008
Read moreThe effectiveness of a country's public sector is vital to the success of development activities. Sound financial management, an efficient civil service and administrative policy, fair collection of taxes, and transparent operations that are relatively free of corruption all contribute to good delivery of public services. In recognition of these links, the World Bank has stepped up its support for public sector reform in recent years.
-
Fiscal Decentralization Task Force Meeting in Sarajevo, 7-8 April 2008 07.04.2008
Read more
The fourth meeting of the NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization was held on 7-8 April in Sarajevo. Municipal financial experts from 10 member associations participated at the event. The purpose of the meeting was to present and discuss the first results of the NALAS projects in the field of fiscal decentralization, as well as to develop and review new project ideas to be submitted for funding.
-
World Bank Group's Subnational Development Program 11.12.2007
Read more
The World Bank Group's Subnational Development Program (SND) provides financing and access to capital markets to local governments (municipalities, provinces, regions) and their public companies. It acts as a catalyst to enhance their capacity and creditworthiness without central government guarantees. SND helps sub-national entities to expand and improve infrastructure and other public services. Financial products include guarantees, loans, or equity investments, and may be available in local currency. Local governments and public companies can manage the investments directly or in the context of public-private partnerships.
-
Fiscal Decentralization Task Force meeting in Sofia, 15-16 November 2007 16.11.2007
Read more
The second meeting of the Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization took place in Sofia on 15 and 16 November, 2007. It was hosted by the National Association of Bulgarian Municipalities (NAMRB). The purpose of the meeting was to decide about the presentation of the Task Force at the NALAS General Assembly on December 13 and 14, to present current situation in the fields of budget negotiations and fiscal decentralization in the respective countries, as well as to agree on the next steps in the implementation of 2 projects developed by the Task Force: Budget Negotiations and Municipal Cost Estimation.
-
Fiscal Decentralization Task Force Meeting in Skopje, 12 June 2007 12.06.2007
Read moreNational experts, association members and liaison officers came to Skopje to form the NALAS Task Force on Fiscal Decentralization. This Task Force will be hosted by the National Association of Municipalities from the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and over the next years will produce relevant and valuable products for all member associations.

