Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends
(February 2006)
 
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 course will be offered free of charge to USAID officials.

The Program
The training program for 2006, Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends, is 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, public expenditure management, tax policy design, tax administration, and fiscal decentralization. This topic-driven course consists of lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions. The course is designed for USAID practitioners and does not require a formal background in economics or public finance.

Program Dates, Location, Fees, and Funding
The one-week training course Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends will be held from February 27 - March 3, 2006, on the campus of Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. While the course is offered free of charge, enrollment is limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Covered expenses include all training-related costs, including instruction, course materials, local transportation and social events. The program does not include airfare to Atlanta, lodging, meals, or other incidental expenses.

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

Training Instructors
The training sessions are 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 include Professors James Alm, Roy Bahl, Jamie Boex, Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Mark Rider and Sally Wallace, 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.

Additional Information and Registration
For more information concerning the training or to inquire about future training programs under the Fiscal Reform Project, please contact David Dod (USAID/EGAT/EG), Activity Manager, at ddod@usaid.gov. For additional information and logistical arrangements at Georgia State University, please contact:
 
Ms. Shereen Bhan
Email: sbhan@gsu.edu
Phone: (404) 651-3959
Fax: (404) 651-3996