Jan. 2021 to June 2022 ABC.GoV։ Alliance for Better City Governance

With direct support from the Urban Foundation, the cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor received EU assistance to enhance sustainable urban governance by aligning municipal policies on urban planning, waste recycling, and transportation with national and European standards.

The ABC.GoV initiative, implemented in partnership with Pila Commune, Poland, aimed to  improve public service delivery by promoting eco-friendly, inclusive, and efficient urban solutions. It increased awareness of environmental and health risks associated with plastic waste and fuel-based transport while equipping municipal employees from Vanadzor, Gyumri, and Pila with essential skills for better urban governance.

The Urban Foundation provided technical assistance in waste management planning, financial oversight, procurement, donor-funded program management, alternative financing, communication strategies, and citizen engagement.

As a result, the municipalities gained capacities to effectively manage key infrastructure investments within the frame of the project, including a GIS tool, green public transportation, and a plastic waste recycling production line. Additionally, the project strengthened municipal capacities by exposing staff to European best practices in urban governance and waste management through exchanges with Pila, Poland, and Lyon, France.

Funding: EU

Implementation: Vanadzor, Gyumri Municipalities, the Urban Foundation