Local politicians are increasingly becoming central figures in development, not only leading social services delivery but also tending to the community’s economy as well.
This is what Howard Ockman, chief of party at Chemonics International, told Devex reporting fellow Jeff Tyson in a video interview. He said getting mayors to learn more about their community and be more comfortable with local business owners, who generally distrust government, can give a boost to the local economy.
Ockman, who leads the U.S Agency for International Development’s Sustainable Local Development Project in Serbia, added mayors should inspire business and trust.