Decentralisation reform in Lebanon must prioritise practical and achievable legal and administrative steps alongside the broader goal of creating district councils. Strengthening municipalities and municipal unions as key service providers should be the immediate focus, ensuring that any future decentralised tier does not replicate existing governance shortcomings. Parliamentary deliberations on the new decentralisation bill should critically assess and address the weaknesses of the current municipal system, particularly in essential service delivery. This report examines three key sectors where local authorities are attempting to bridge regulatory gaps: solid waste management, public safety, and citizen participation.
Local governance in Lebanon faces multiple structural and operational challenges. Since the 2015 waste crisis, municipalities have struggled to manage domestic waste due to outdated infrastructure and the added strain of demographic growth from the Syrian refugee crisis. Local police forces lack the authority and resources to enforce public safety effectively, while citizen engagement in decision-making remains limited, weakening accountability. While there is strong support for decentralization reform, many improvements can be made within the existing municipal framework. Addressing these deficiencies now, through targeted legal amendments and governance adjustments, is crucial for delivering better public services and laying a strong foundation for any future administrative restructuring.