Abstract
The Final Performance Evaluation of the Municipal Governance Project (MGP) in El Salvador (September 2017–March 2024) evaluated MGP’s key results, sustainability, good practices, and lessons learned for future initiatives. Municipal specialists acknowledged revenue increases in financial management due to arrears collection and expanded tax bases through cadastre updates. However, political decisions actively limited the setting of recommended service fees. Technical staff and service managers noted service improvements in solid waste collection, better coverage of public lighting, higher efficiency in family register procedures, new collection tools for market fee services, and georeferenced cadastre in cemeteries. The use of digital tools, citizen committees, and involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) emerged as key elements, with observed positive outcomes in various pilot interventions. Municipal actors and CSOs expressed satisfaction with MGP’s technical assistance. However, upcoming challenges involve ensuring the sustainability of investments, technological equipment, and knowledge transfer, particularly considering frequent personnel changes with each municipal administration, as well as preparations for municipal consolidation in 2024.