The program will focus on improving local public participation practices which, if functioning well, are a strong incentive for greater transparency and responsiveness of the municipal government as well as a powerful corruption deterrent. Municipalities oversee a vast array of essential services that directly affect peopleÕs daily lives including infrastructure, public transportation, health care, and many others. Therefore, municipal administration is often the first line of contact between government and Kosovo citizens and at this level the citizens can have the most noticeable effect on policy. Moreover, the way in which the municipal government communicates with their community and the quality of the municipal services largely determine citizensÕ perception of and trust in their government writ large. This program will help participants understand how public participation practices in the United States bring value to public officials and citizens and contribute to better local governance. While engaging citizens overall will be the main area of interest, a large part of the project will be dedicated to how local government in the US engages young people in decision-making processes.