U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine
International visitors at the Arizona State capitol in Phoenix, AZ.
As Ukraine’s cities rebuild amidst ongoing conflict and uncertainty, local leaders are playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future. Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine provided Ukrainian mayors, deputy mayors, and commissioners with a hands-on look at how American cities foster economic growth, public trust, and democratic renewal at the local level.
Over the course of two weeks, participants engaged with U.S. counterparts across Washington, D.C., Michigan, and Arizona, studying practical models of small government operations, civic engagement, and public-private partnerships. The program fostered critical peer-to-peer connections and equipped Ukrainian leaders with tools to accelerate local recovery, inspire innovation, and build resilience back home.
Project Objectives
Highlight decentralized governance practices that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making.
Explore how small and mid-sized U.S. cities drive economic revitalization through public-private collaboration.
Observe strategies for strengthening civic pride, community engagement, and youth participation in governance.
Foster transatlantic collaboration between Ukrainian and American cities to support post-conflict recovery and long-term democratic development.
Project Design
Washington, D.C.: The program began in the U.S. capital, where participants met with members of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus to explore the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and reinforce bipartisan support for Ukraine. Briefings with academic institutions and policy experts provided context on American federalism and the role of decentralized governance in strengthening governing institutions.
Lansing, Michigan: In Michigan’s capital, participants attended a master class led by a former Michigan Supreme Court justice. The session offered a detailed look at the judicial system and the role of state courts in upholding constitutional checks and balances.
Kalamazoo, Michigan: Discussions with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber of Commerce focused on how regional chambers promote economic development, attract investment, and foster entrepreneurship—especially in mid-sized American cities.
Vicksburg, Michigan: A visit with the City Manager introduced the council-manager form of government. Participants learned how this structure promotes efficiency, transparency, and collaborative leadership in smaller communities.
Phoenix, Arizona: In meetings with the city’s vice mayor and members of the Arizona House of Representatives, participants explored strategies for managing competing policy interests and building consensus across government levels.
Superior and Tolleson, Arizona: Conversations with the mayors of these two communities highlighted local solutions to shared challenges, including fire management, water conservation, and public-private partnerships—offering practical insights for municipal leaders facing similar issues.
Impact and Next Steps
“Such an experience changes your thinking in ways you can’t even realize.”
Visitors left the program energized to apply their learnings in Ukraine’s recovery and governance reform. Their time in the U.S. not only expanded their professional networks but also offered a comparative lens to rethink local policymaking at home.
In the coming months, participants are expected to:
Initiate sister city partnerships to foster long-term collaboration on urban development, education, and cultural exchange.
Launch community engagement campaigns modeled on U.S. civic initiatives to strengthen local identity and resilience.
Explore investment and cooperation opportunities with U.S. counterparts.
Adapt municipal planning and budgeting models seen in U.S. cities to increase transparency and citizen participation in Ukraine.
International visitors during a stop in Phoenix, Arizona International visitors during the “U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine” International Visitor Leadership Program.
International visitors during a stop in Tolleson, Arizona International visitors during the “U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine” International Visitor Leadership Program.
International visitors during “U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine” International Visitor Leadership Program.
Project summary
U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government: Case Studies for Leaders in Ukraine
