The issue of reforming and reviving Lebanon's local government network is of central importance to reinvigorating the Lebanese political and administrative system as a whole. Because the number of municipalities is relatively high (over 600), and the political, administrative, fiscal, social, and economic issues interwoven in the municipal issue are so complex, a serious and thorough study of the problems and challenges facing local government in Lebanon is a critical first step in developing a rational policy toward this complex issue.

As part of the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies' research study on the situation of municipalities which aims to identify problems, devise solutions and suggest reforms, five researchers presented their work and findings in a one-day conference on municipal government held in October, 1994. The conference was attended by public administration experts, representatives from the Ministry of Municipal and Village Affairs, as well as parliamentary deputies, journalists, and academics.

The conference brought to the forefront the problems facing municipal government in Lebanon. Many municipalities have become dysfunctional and many are ineffective and suffer from serious financing, staffing, and administrative problems. During the conference, the participants suggested the municipalities' situation could be improved by holding municipal elections and providing them with the necessary authority to make their own autonomous decisions.

As a project outcome, and with support from the Ford Foundation , a book entitled: "Municipal Development in Lebanon: a Survey Research and Critical Review " was published.