Project Partners
The CBiHCP is being implemented in partnership with the Urban Institute of Tuzla (UIT) and the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Physical Planning and Environmental Protection. The UIT is a quasi government agency providing planning, research and consulting services to the municipal and cantonal levels of government. The University of Tuzla is also a participating agency, providing logistical and professional support in a variety of areas including public consultations for the new Tuzla Canton Spatial Plan.

In pursuit of democratic local governance: a building in the City of Tuzla acts as a reminder of the importance of establishing lasting peace and unity.

Background
The signing of the Dayton Accord in late 1995, which marked the end of the conflict in BiH, imposed a new governance structure on the country. More than five years after the peace agreement, Bosnians are still struggling to make the new decentralized governance framework operational and effective. Within the Federation entity, the cantons have been given the most responsibilities of all three levels of government. Many powers that previously were exercised at the central government level have been decentralized to the cantons and several of the major powers previously held by local municipalities have been now vested with a new government level with limited experience. Consequently, cantons are in a situation where they must make the transition from a central planning paradigm to market-based system that takes into account the needs and wants of local citizens. This challenge must be considered in conjunction with the need to resuscitate a war-shattered economy and improve relations between and within communities.

Project Description
The goal of the project is to transform the process of governance in Tuzla Canton, making it more accountable, transparent and efficient. Through a collaborative approach, the project seeks to increase citizen involvement in governance and decision-making, improve the transparency and efficiency of local government service delivery, enhance the strategic planning capacity of local decision-makers and institutions and provide an effective framework for civil society to be engaged with government. Results will include the development of a contemporary Spatial Plan incorporating the opinion, ideas and needs of the public; a body of institutions and professionals trained in engaging the public in decision-making; and organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, equipped with the capacity to implement the economic, social and environmental objectives of the Canton. Finally, the project will share lessons learned in Tuzla Canton to other local authorities, senior government agencies and other interested parties.

Sharing project experiences across Bosnia and Herzegovina: project team participates in the annual conference of the Bosnian Association of Urbanists in Tuzla (Nov, 2002)

Approach
The CBiHCP-II is a collaborative project that uses a delivery model driven by knowledge transfer and capacity building. The Canadian Urban Institute’s Bosnian partners are initiating and implementing all activities with management and technical support from the CUI and its network of experts and consultants. As the Canton moves to develop a modern Spatial Plan and reform its governance processes, the CUI is supporting its needs for capacity development and strategic planning. The CBiHCP-II also looks to collaborate with other initiatives in the Canton. For example, the project is collaborating with the Regional Development Agency to integrate the activities of the spatial planning process with those of the new cantonal Regional Development Strategy (RDS). The RDS will provide a strategic economic development plan for the Canton and is currently being completed by the government of Tuzla Canton with assistance from other international donors. Finally, in its final year, the project has launched a Local Development Fund that is providing seed money to local institutions to implement model projects defined in the planning process.