Local economic development is an approach for achieving social, economic and spatial development and for local government to play a strong role in achieving the SDGs, participants at CLGFs 2016 South Asia regional meeting agreed. Read More

Local Economic Development (LED) and SMART cities can provide a framework for local governments to deliver the SDGs in South Asia, according to the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) as a result of its programme in the region which has focused on decentralisation and local economic development. Read More

CLGF welcomes new Secretary-General Dr Greg Munro who takes up the post from 1 August. Dr Munro, a South African national will lead the organisation in meeting the challenges of localising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, delivering a comprehensive programme for CLGFs members in promoting local democracy and decentralisation and tackling key issues for local government internationally and will be based at CLGF HQ in London. Read More

Following several months of public consultation, the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government are taking forward the local governemnt reforms in the country. The reforms will cover services such as collection of property tax and extra responsibilities in areas such as policing, planning and school repairs. Read More

Dr Carl Wright retires from CLGF after 21 years of service on 31 July 2016, working internationally for over 40 years and takes on the role of CLGF Secretary-General Emeritus. The 2016 CLGF Board and participants at the subsequent CLGF Marlborough House reception on 12 July warmly acknowledged his service both to local government in the Commonwealth and internationally. Read More

Capable and accountable city governments are needed who can think differently and be innovative to meet the challenges of urbanisation, said delegates at the CLGF Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Network meeting on Successful, safe and sustainable cities: making cities fit for the future on 12-13 July. Read More