The Functional Area Program (FAP), developed as concept by dldp, build on the principle of functionality (main principle used for designing the Territorial and Administrative Reform). It is presented as an instrument for the identification of development potentials in the territory of the New Local Units, aiming to mobilize projects which should assure the inner cohesion of territories, population, resources, etc. The Functional Areas Program orients towards the Strategic Development Plans, but differs from them as FAP aims to provide some quicker solutions for the most sensitive problematics identified in the territory that will belong to the ne Municipalities and to ensure the preconditions for a sustainable development. Dldp has developed Functional Areas Programs in 8 Functional Areas (or new Municipalities), in 5 Qarks of northern Albania, including Qark of Durrës, with two Functional Areas: FA Durrës and FA Shijak. The Program has been implemented in FA Durrës by Development and Cooperation Institute (www.shtetiweb.org). The Program includes an economic analysis of the territory; an analysis of services; and an analysis of administrative structures. Based on these analyses, a number of recommendations have been developed and several projects with economic development features and services and governance improvement have been identified. Projects have been discussed in forums with various interest groups, organized by the implementing organization. Identified projects The identified projects have been evaluated by various groups of citizens, businesses and local elected people, resulting in a list of ranked projects. Projects have been evaluated as well by a technical jury, composed of people representing local government units and Qark and Prefecture authorities, completing the general frame of citizens’ evaluation. Relevance of identified projects The Identified projects will be put to the disposition of the New Municipalities’ Mayors that will be elected in the local elections of June 21st, 2015. These projects will serve as a first incentive for going through the path of consolidation of the territory and future administrations. The Functional Areas Program per se will be an instrument of strategic planning for the new Municipalities, offering an opportunity to respond to the challenges put forward by the implementation process of the Territorial and Administrative Reform, through a better knowledge on the territory, on the opportunities in sector with development potentials and improvement of services to the citizens.

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