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Since early 2008, IRI has worked with municipal governments in Honduras, helping mayors and municipal government staff to effectively and transparently implement policies and initiatives that respond to citizen needs and priorities.  IRI has worked in the municipalities of Cane, Choloma, La Lima, La Paz, Siguatepeque and Yoro located in the departments of Comayagua, Cortes, La Paz and Yoro.  In 2013, IRI will establish partnerships with five new municipalities, focusing on replicating democratic governance practices.

Download Summary (PDF)
Since early 2008, IRI has worked with municipal governments in Honduras, helping mayors and municipal government staff to effectively and transparently implement policies and initiatives that respond to citizen needs and priorities.  IRI has worked in the municipalities of Cane, Choloma, La Lima, La Paz, Siguatepeque and Yoro located in the departments of Comayagua, Cortes, La Paz and Yoro.  In 2013, IRI will establish partnerships with five new municipalities, focusing on replicating democratic governance practices.

IRI began its work in Honduras using public opinion research to look at citizen priorities and experiences with municipal service delivery.  The opinion research revealed several issues of concern among citizens: gaps in communication between the municipal governments and the public; lack of opportunities for citizens to participate in local government decision making; and concerns regarding public safety.  Working with the Honduras-based Foundation for Municipal Development, IRI has supported programs to help municipal officials respond to citizen-identified priorities and has conducted workshops focused on improving service delivery, citizen outreach and government transparency and accountability.

In 2012, IRI began a Smart Governance regional program in Honduras to promote the use of technology to improve democratic governance through more efficient public administration, improved service delivery and greater citizen inclusion.

Government Transparency, Accountability and Outreach to Citizens
IRI works with its partner municipalities to develop practices that bridge the communications gap between those who govern and the governed.  IRI’s programming is focused on improving the communications efforts of municipal governments to increase transparency and accountability, as well as reinforcing the importance of building an informed citizenry.  By promoting the use of traditional as well as innovative channels of communication and outreach, the Institute is working to bring citizens closer to their governments. 

• Public rendering of accounts;
• The publication of annual reports that highlight government activities and expenditures;
• Live interactive television shows to inform the public and provide a space for citizens to hold government accountable; and
• Citizen public service manuals that provide a user friendly guide of municipal procedures.

Program Highlight
The Honduran Association of Municipalities and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation awarded the 2006-2008 Good Local Governance Award to two of IRI’s partner municipalities.  Cane received the first place prize for municipalities in its size category and La Paz was awarded the second place in its size category.  These awards were given in recognition of the improvements each municipality made in the areas of citizen participation and government accountability, and they symbolize the municipalities’ respective commitments to improving their democratic governance practices, policies and initiatives.