The training was held in Shkoder, in collaboration with the Local Finances project and ASPA was held within the framework of achieving the strategic objective of strengthening local finances as an important pillar of the decentralization agenda. In the framework of the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy, the process of setting up the Academy of Local Government was elaborated, which aims to strengthen the capacities of human resources in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of local government units. Also, the training was conducted interactively, creating a space to address various issues for discussion.
In a challenging period for the management of local finances, Albanian municipalities are facing legal obligations and the need for improvement in revenue management. An important problem is the lack of a tax appeal function in some municipalities, although the drafting of regulations for this process is a legal obligation. This aspect creates difficulties for citizens who feel unclear about their procedures and rights.
To help in this process, revenue management manuals have been created, which serve as models for each municipality. These manuals, if adopted, provide an important audit trail to ensure transparency and accountability.
The data for the 9-month period of 2024 show that the revenues of municipalities have increased by 44% compared to the same period last year.