Overview Local government is under increasing pressure to deliver essential services, manage infrastructure and build resilience amid a much-constrained financial system. But deep-rooted structural and institutional challenges continue to hinder their performance. This webinar goes beyond surface-level analysis to explore the real barriers to effective local governance and what can be done about them. Join us for a critical discussion with municipal experts, governance specialists and developmental practitioners as we unpack the political, operational and systemic issues shaping local government outcomes. Why Attend? This is more than a policy and structural discussion. It’s a practical, solutions-oriented dialogue designed for people working in or alongside local government. You will gain insights into: - The misalignment between planning, budgeting and implementation - The impact of political-administrative interference on service delivery - Lessons from successful interventions Challenges Addressed Local governments face a perfect storm of capacity shortages, unclear mandates and political interference. Skilled personnel are often lacking, while long-term planning is neglected. Even when funding is available, fragmentation between departments and a lack of coherent leadership make it difficult to translate plans into results. Tensions between political and administrative roles further muddy accountability, often delaying progress and undermining public confidence in local institutions. What You’ll Learn Despite these challenges, several municipalities are beginning to turn the tide. This webinar will highlight examples where institutional coherence, political will and adaptive leadership have driven tangible improvements. You will leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to shift from compliance-driven governance to capability-driven delivery.