Strengthening local government's role as a key partner in development while localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) is the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 30, 2020 between the Belize City Council and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum - Caribbean (CLGFC). CLGFC serves as the regional arm of the London-based Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF-EU), of which Mayor Bernard Wagner is a board member.
Mayor Wagner and City Administrator Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt signed on behalf of the Belize City Council, while Regional Programme Manager, Sandra Singh, and Networks Officer, Janine Xavier Cross, signed on behalf of CLGFC.
The MOU provides grant funding totaling 34,977 Euros which is just over $82,000 Bze dollars. The Council via the MOU is committing to provide as well funding totaling $52,000 Bze Dollars to the project.
The objectives of the project are to stimulate greater community inclusiveness and sense of pride while building institutional capacity and promoting evidence-based municipal decision making. Under these projects, the partnership seeks to achieve the rehabilitation of two communities, the GIS mapping of 1.1 square miles of Belize City, the enhancement of a functional GIS Department and the elaboration of a new rent stabilization policy to stimulate the increased supply of affordable, decent housing. We are proud to begin this initiative which will propel our society further and increase urban development for our residents.
