On September 22-27, 2024, the Dobroslav, Trostianets, Zhovkva, Krasnokutsk, and Khmelnytskyi mayors visited Washington, DC. With the support of the USAID HOVERLA Activity, the leaders presented their projects in the U.S. and established new partnerships. Here are the most important results of this visit.
Meeting with Washington, D.C. City Government
The mayors met with Kevin Donahue, Washington, D.C. City Administrator; Kevin Donahue, Director of Business Attraction & Expansion at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and Tomas Talamante, Head of Intergovernmental Affairs. They provided an overview of their priorities in governance: public safety, education, and economic development. They explained the specifics of budgeting and tax distribution. Washington pays great attention to climate change: local authorities update building codes and support the introduction of electric vehicles. Participants discussed opportunities to expand cross-border partnerships between US and Ukrainian municipalities.
Meeting with the U.S. Development Finance Corporation
The Ukrainian delegation met with Carlos DeJuana, Managing Director at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which manages its largest European portfolio in Ukraine. DeJuana emphasized that DFC supports foreign economic development projects without requiring U.S. company involvement and offers political risk insurance, including for small businesses in Ukraine. DFC focuses on sectors like transport, mining, energy, healthcare, and agribusiness, providing pre- and post-investment grants. While DFC doesn't directly support local governments, it aids businesses through loans and equity stakes. Ukrainian mayors presented projects, exploring potential cooperation opportunities.
Establishing ties between Ukrainian and U.S. mayors
During a meeting with representatives of the U.S. Department of State's Office of Subnational Diplomacy, community leaders discussed establishing ties between Ukrainian mayors and local leaders in the United States, as well as cooperation between sister cities. Among the ideas proposed were a survey of American municipalities to identify cities ready to partner with their Ukrainian counterparts and the creation of a special fund to facilitate such partnerships.
Participation in Doing Business in Ukraine Conference
Dobroslav mayor Liudmyla Prokopechko took part in a discussion panel on Moldova's role in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction at the “Doing Business in Ukraine” conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The panel focused on how Ukraine can use Moldova's proximity to support its recovery. In particular, it was emphasized that both Moldova and Ukraine should join forces in their aspirations for EU membership and strengthening their collective defense against Russian aggression.
Presentation of community projects
The Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, presented their projects and community needs, and discussed potential partnerships. For example, the Agency has tools to facilitate cooperation, such as organizing delegations from different countries to share experiences, holding technical seminars and conferences, and supporting global procurement initiatives. Agency offers grants for feasibility studies on development projects that are locally prioritized, have strong potential for funding, and offer opportunities for U.S. exports.
USAID's support for communities
During a meeting with community leaders, USAID Assistant Administrator Erin McKee said that the United States has continued to support Ukraine. She emphasized that assistance will be provided until all necessary reforms are implemented and consolidated. McKee noted that decentralization remains a key priority. USAID projects in Ukraine will also focus, in particular, on such areas as energy security, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
