Haiti: LAVIL Programme Fact Sheet

The Ansanm Ann Chanje Lavil (Together Let’s Change the City) initiative, or LAVIL, supports increased municipal service delivery in select municipalities to achieve long-term, sustained local economic development in Haiti.

In its initial phase, LAVIL focuses on public markets – multi-functional spaces that play a vital role in the local economy and promote social cohesion but are challenging for local governments to manage effectively. 

LAVIL promotes the sustainable management of public markets, stimulating local solutions for basic services with an emphasis on solid waste, co-creating spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue, and increasing capacities within municipal governments.

The programme is committed to supporting municipalities in improving their financial management and services to the population, thus contributing to the development of more effective local governance. LAVIL pursues the following objectives:

 1. Increase municipal revenues: LAVIL supports partner municipalities to increase trust with local citizens, strengthen their internal organisational capacity, and review revenue collection arrangements. 

2. Increase municipal investment: LAVIL helps municipalities to reinforce investments in municipal service delivery, including through public-private participation. A particular focus is placed on municipal solid waste management.

 3. Improve ecosystem for better municipal financial management: LAVIL assists local governments to advocate for an improved alignment of the broader tax revenue ecosystem.

As outcomes, LAVIL expects to improve institutional relations between the municipalities and civil society, develop the Community Upgrading Fund, and increase autonomous municipal revenues. The programme also aims to formulate a development strategy for the cities, strengthen urban governance, and optimize solid waste management. Additionally, by supporting the creation of community associations, LAVIL ensures citizen involvement in local initiatives. This participation of citizens in the initiatives strengthens local capacities and ensures the sustainability and lasting effectiveness of the results achieved.

Funded by USAID, LAVIL is implemented by Cities Alliance in partnership with the municipalities of Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes, Fondazione Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale (People for Development), Habitat for Humanity, Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, and the Institut de Formation et de Services
(Institute of Training and Services).

This two-pager provides an overview of the LAVIL programme including its targeted localities and approach.