Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends (April 2005)
 
As an integral part of USAID's Fiscal Reform Project’s activities, the Andrew Young School of Policy Study at Georgia State University –one of the leading policy schools in the United States- annually develops and delivers a week-long training program on a relevant fiscal policy issue. Although program participants are required to secure internal funding to support travel and lodging, the courses are offered free of charge to USAID officials.

The Program
The training program for 2005, Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends, was a customized training program developed by the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies that exposes USAID officials to the principles and recent trends in fiscal policy reform, tax policy design, tax administration, budget policy, public expenditure management and fiscal decentralization. This topic-driven course consisted of lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions. The course was designed for USAID practitioners and does not require a formal background in economic or public finance.

Program Dates, Location, Fees, and Funding
The one-week training course Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends was held from April 18-22, 2005, on the campus of Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. While the course was offered free of charge for USAID officials, enrollment was limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Covered expenses included all training-related costs, including instruction, course materials, local transportation and social events. The program did not include airfare to Atlanta, lodging, meals, or other incidental expenses.

Participant Background
The training program Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends was specifically developed for USAID officials from USAID/Washington as well as USAID Missions worldwide. Participants needed no previous experience in economics, budgeting or public administration, although the program was designed to be most useful for project officers, program managers and practioners active in developing and transitional countries.

Training Instructors
The training sessions were taught by senior Andrew Young School faculty members with extensive experience in real-world policy reform, technical assistance and training around the world. Program faculty included Professors James Alm, Roy Bahl, Jamie Boex, Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Mark Rider, Sally Wallace, and Katherine Willoughby, as well as Sandra Hadler (FRTL/DAI) and Michael Stevens (World Bank). These faculty members and policy experts have real-world policy experience in over forty developing and transition countries around the world.