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The Foundation for Local Government Reform, a USAID legacy organization, held its second annual conference “Municipalities and Business: Partners for Economic Development” on February 18-19. More than 150 government officials and business representatives discussed the role of Bulgarian municipalities in promoting local economic development. The conference highlighted best Bulgarian and international practices for attracting investment at the local level, human capital development, and high-tech industry.
Phillip Dunlap and Megan McGowen, Director and Assistant Director respectively of Local Economic Development for Auburn, Alabama, discussed Auburn’s experience with initiating public-private partnerships between businesses, universities, and scientific institutions for the development of high-tech parks. Bulgarian government officials presented ongoing and upcoming funding opportunities for municipal investment projects with EU structural funds.