USAID LENS Participant (March 2015)

As a Professor of Public Administration at Idaho State University, I often use ICMA’s Knowledge Network for resources and information for my classes. I saw on ICMA’s Knowledge Network that ICMA were looking for volunteers/pro-bonos to work with municipalities in Jordan on economic development opportunities.  I jumped at the chance and submitted an application on behalf of the City of Pocatello, ID after the City Council approved participation in ICMA’s city to city partnerships for the USAID LENS project.  The City of Pocatello was selected as one of two partner cities.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Local Enterprise Support (LENS) Project, where ICMA is a sub to FHI360, is working with cities in Jordan to help them create better enabling environments for economic development. 

The best time in Jordan was spent in the governate of Irbid which was where our partner cities are located.  It’s a beautiful place with lush farmland, spectacular history and good food.  The staff at USAID LENS Irbid were spectacular.  We stayed in a hotel right across from Yarmouk University and students from all over the world filled the streets.  There was so much activity and life in the province that I felt much more comfortable there than in Amman, the capital.

We visited our partner cities twice during our two week stay in Jordan.  The cities of Al-Shou’la, Muath bin Jabal, Tabaqat Fahl and Al-Mazar all had their own unique challenges and different projects which all had promise.  Each city had great staff and leadership that seemed inspired by the work of the City of Pocatello and eager to learn and share.  I was probably at my emotional peak when I noticed that Lon Crowell, the City of Pocatello Planning and Economic Development Director, began to identify with these city officials and share with them experiences off-the-cuff.  I was worried that Lon actually might not enjoy the experience, but I think he enjoyed it more than me! 

On our weekend, I caught up on sleep while Lon made the trip to Petra.  I did get to see great sights such as Jerash, Pella, Umm Qais and Ajloun Castle as well as attend Friday services at King Hussein Mosque which was an amazing building.  Even now, I find myself thinking about some of those experiences and how priceless they were.  I have shared some photos that I took below.  I hope you enjoy!

 

Working on City Work Plans

Irbid Government Building: Picture of King Abdullah 2

Presenting on the City of Pocatello

Shou’la City Hall

Umm Qais: Site of Basilica Terrace

Muath Bin Jabal City: Sulfur Hot Springs facility

Tabaqet Fahl Cold Storage facility

Tabaqet City Hall

Mazar City Hall

Pella Site: Eastern Church

Grave Site of Muath Bin Jabal: City named after him: One of the Greatest Companions of the Prophet Muhammad

On Top of Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle from Outside

Jerash South Gate