Tetra Tech ARD is a major innovator in helping developing and transition countries promote good governance and effective institutions that are essential for equitable economic growth, social development, human rights, and security. The worldwide movement for democratic political systems and market-based economies has engendered pressing needs for governmental and institutional reforms. To be successful, though, such reforms must consider the complex factors that make each country unique. Tetra Tech ARD conducts in-depth analysis of these factors and develops programs that facilitate transparency, decentralization, legal reform, access to justice, and civic participation. Our clients gain the tools and information they need to pursue reforms that lead to democratic transition and long-term development.

Democratic, Local Governance
Responsive and accountable local governments provide the ideal foundation for countries to develop a broad-based democratic culture that encourages popular participation. ARD helps nations around the world establish this foundation through decentralization reforms and democratic local governance programming.

Fair and Accessible Justice Systems
A sound legal framework and an independent justice system are indispensable to stable democracies and development. Tetra Tech ARD helps governments draft laws, train legal professionals, and improve operations of the courts. Citizens gain improved access to justice and more confidence in the legal system.

Legislatures Balance Political Power
Legislatures provide a voice for the people and serve to counterbalance the power of the executive branch. Tetra Tech ARD focuses on the internal administration and management of legislative institutions, parliamentary procedures, drafting and enactment of legislation, oversight of the executive branch, budget analysis, and constituency relations.

Ensuring Accountability
Policies and mechanisms that ensure public access to information can lead to greater accountability on the part of public officials. Because of our experience in this area, ARD can provide governments and businesses with the tools they need to fight corruption.

Managing Conflict
The relationship between development, conflict and state security has changed profoundly. The type of assistance provided by Tetra Tech ARD is now more widely understood and valued as a significant component of both economic development and national security policy. As a partner to USAID for nearly 30 years, Tetra Tech ARD has designed, implemented and managed programs that promote community well-being and stability in conflict-prone countries, conflict zones, and post-conflict areas that are moving to reconstruction and recovery.

Governance and Institutional Development Services

• Democracy promotion
• Development of participatory local governance
• Strengthening local government public services
• Anticorruption
• Conflict management and resolution
• Financing for municipal infrastructure
• Strategic planning
• Local government credit markets
• Legal and judicial reform
• Organizational analysis and development
• Transparent accountable governance