Local governments play a central role in ensuring access to reliable services, inclusive decision-making, and long-term, sustainable development. For civil servants, elected officials, and practitioners working at the local level, this means developing the right skills and working on strengthening their capacity in key areas to respond to new challenges confidently and effectively.
Whether you are a civil servant, an elected official, a professional working for a civil society organisation, or a practitioner supporting democratic development, investing in the right skills is key to creating lasting local impact.
Based on our experience in training civil servants and working with local leaders across regions, here are six essential skill areas for strengthening local governance:
1. Participatory leadership and decision-making
Trust in government begins with engagement. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that all voices in the community are heard, including women, youth, minorities, and underserved communities, and that decisions reflect the lived realities of diverse populations.
Why it matters: Inclusive decision-making leads to more legitimate policies, better uptake, and stronger social cohesion. It also ensures that no group is systematically left behind in local development.
Learn more about how participatory promotes rural economic development in Georgia.
2. Strategic planning and policy implementation
With small budgets and limited decentralised power, local leaders must be skilled in setting priorities, aligning local plans with national goals, and translating strategies into actionable, measurable programmes. This includes knowing how to monitor results and adjust when circumstances change.
Why it matters: Strategic planning builds credibility, attracts funding, and helps municipalities stay focused on what matters most to their communities.
Read more about how civil servants can enact better reforms through project management here.
3. Cross-sector collaboration
Municipalities don’t operate in isolation. Collaboration with civil society, universities, grassroots groups, and private actors allows local governments to deliver more responsive services and co-create effective solutions to complex problems.
Why it matters: Partnerships expand capacity, foster innovation, and build shared ownership of development initiatives and outcomes.
Read about how the public and private sector can partner effectively here.
4. Designing inclusive services for diverse communities
As urban areas and municipalities become more diverse, service delivery must adapt. Civil servants need to identify barriers to access, ensure policies reflect the needs of all residents, and apply inclusive design principles that leave no one behind across sectors such as health, education, and housing.
Why it matters: Equitable access to services strengthens social stability and increases public confidence in government.
Read more about inclusive public services in practice here.
5. Delivering effective digital and hybrid services
Digital tools can make government services more accessible and transparent, but only when implemented thoughtfully. Civil servants must balance the benefits of digital transformation with the risks of excluding those without reliable access or digital literacy.
Why it matters: Getting digital delivery right helps modernise local government while protecting equity and inclusion.
Read more about how to navigate the complexities of digital transformation here.
6. Change management
Civil servants often work in institutions shaped by hierarchy, tradition, and limited flexibility. Yet they are also uniquely positioned to lead change by piloting new ideas, championing inclusive practices, and helping others navigate uncertainty. This requires not just technical skill, but the ability to communicate effectively, manage resistance, and foster a culture of learning.
Why it matters: Sustainable reform depends on people inside government who are willing and able to act as agents of change with courage, empathy, and persistence.
Would you like to strengthen your skills in change management?
How our trainings support you
At THA, we offer practice-oriented, peer-based learning programmes designed by and for people working in or with local governments. We adopt an innovative, interactive and inclusive approach, making use of a variety of adult learning methods that suit the needs and wishes of practitioners in local governance. our trainings focus on real-world challenges, from inclusive urban planning to climate adaptation and digital transformation — all grounded in local realities and led by experienced practitioners.
Explore our upcoming programmes
Join a community of change agents
Looking to strengthen your skills and connect with others working to make local governance more inclusive, effective, and sustainable? Sign up and receive updates of our local governance training programmes via email.