Institute for Local Government
The Institute has five main fields of operation:
Whether the issue is roads, schools or water supply, Israel’s 256 municipalities—and their leaders—are responsible for providing essential needs and services to citizens. Increasingly, the national government is delegating implementation of its policies to local officials and administrators. Yet, a skills-and-knowledge gap has emerged between the vast responsibilities placed on municipal leaders and their ability to fulfill them effectively.
The mission of the Institute for Local Government at TAU is to close this gap by strengthening local government through teaching, professional training and research, with an emphasis on sustainable policies and infrastructure. Since its launch in 2012, the Institute has trained over 100 mayors and senior public servants; conducted a dozen research and policy projects; worked with 10 national and international partners; and launched initiatives targeting specific issues, leadership positions or groups of cities. Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg: Demand for the Institute's programs is on the rise thanks to the success of previous graduating classes and its high-quality curriculum. To meet this demand, the Institute seeks to increase the scope and range of its activities.