"Fiscal Policy and Management" Training Course
(June 9 – 13, 2008)

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 set of fiscal policy and management issues. Although program participants are required to secure internal funding to support travel and lodging, the course and materials are offered free of charge to USAID staff.

The Program
The training program for 2008, Fiscal Policy and Management, is a customized training program developed by the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies that exposes USAID staff 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.

This topic-driven course consists of lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions. Topics covered by the course include:

• The economic roles of the public sector;
• Budget policies and public expenditure management;
• Tax policy design and tax administration issues;
• Decentralization and local government finance issues;
• Public Procurement, e-government, and economic governance; and
• Building fiscal infrastructure in post-conflict countries.

Program Dates, Location, Fees, and Funding
The one-week training course Fiscal Policy Reform: Principles and Trends was held from June 9–13, 2008, on the campus of Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. The course is offered free of charge for USAID staff. 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.

Social Activities
A number of field trips and other outings have been planned for the participants in the Fiscal Policy and Management Course. These field trips provide participants with the opportunity to relax and interact with each other and with program instructors outside the classroom, while providing participants with a taste of history and culture. These extracurricular activities also provide an opportunity to visit relevant touristic places around the city of Atlanta.

Lodging
For your convenience, the Andrew Young School will provide logistical support by coordinating reservations at the Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown. The School has negotiated a special rate of 109 dollars per night (flat rate for single or double occupancy). You may confirm your stay at the Marriott by May 20th, 2008 contacting Mr. Hiram Seraphin at hseraphin@gsu.edu. The Marriott Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown is located at 134 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The hotel's phone number is (404) 522-0950.

Participant Background
The training program “Fiscal Policy and Management” is specifically developed for USAID staff 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 practitioners 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, Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Mark Rider, Sally Wallace, Katherine Willoughby, as well as Mark Gallagher (EGAT Fiscal Reform Project /DAI). 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 (EGAT/EG), Activity Manager, at ddod@usaid.gov.

The Course Brochure (PDF) is available for a printer-friendly version of this page.

For additional information regarding logistical arrangements at Georgia State University, please contact:
 
Mr. Hiram Seraphin
Email: hseraphin@gsu.edu
Phone: (404) 413-0233
Fax: (404) 413- 0244