The PMP is an important tool for managing and documenting MLGA performance. It enables timely and consistent collection of comparable performance data in order to make informed program management decisions.

This plan is aimed at assisting the MLGA team to plan and manage the process of assessing and reporting progress towards achieving program’s objectives. It is a critical tool for planning, managing, and documenting how performance data is collected and used.  A PMP serves to:

• Define specific performance indicators, determine baselines and set targets.
• Plan and manage the quarterly and final report data collection process to meet quality standards.
• Incorporate relevant data collection requirements into activities.
• Communicate expectations and anticipated results to USAID and other project partners.

A PMP contributes to the effectiveness of the performance of the project by assuring that comparable data will be collected on a regular and timely basis. Using the PMP to document indicator definitions, sources, and methods of data collection increases the likelihood that the program will have access to comparable data over time - even if key personnel change. PMP also supports reliable data collection by documenting the frequency and schedule of data collection and assigning responsibilities.

How Will MLGA Get the Information

Data for tracking of established indicators will be collected through several methods:

• Review of documents such as municipal and ministry records, publications, and reports.
• Interviews with project partners, both at the national and local level.
• The Macedonian Municipal Capacity Index (MMCI).
• The MMCI is a weighted index that measures the changes in institutional capacity and performance of municipal government in the areas of municipal performance covered by MLGA. The MMCI converts a set of qualitative data into quantitative scores to provide a measurement of municipal capacity to carry out the tasks identified by the project as needing improvement. Scores can be used to examine the differences between municipalities or changes in a municipality over the life of the project.

The MMCI will provide data on individual indicators as well as a total score. Total scores can range from 0 to 100 based on 4 indicators (0 to 5 points for each question to equal a total possible of 20) for five (5) areas of project assistance. Points are determined according to the following categories:

• 0 points if the municipality does not comply with minimum law or project requirements
• 1 point if the municipality complies with the minimum law or project requirement
• 2 to 3 points if the municipality has focused on improvements recommended by the project
• 4 to 5 points if the municipality can perform at levels exceeding the training/ technical assistance provided by the project

These categories are made specific for each of the indicators on the index. Scores are supported by documentation provided by the municipality such as budgets, publications, and reports. Scores are progressive. That is, a municipality needs to meet all the criteria assigned to points 1, 2, and 3 before it could be considered for 4.

MMCI data will be collected by a local survey firm on an annual basis in all 84 municipalities and the City of Skopje and the analysis will include the comparison of results between partner and non-partner municipalities. The scoring is the result of on-site interviews and data confirmation in each partner and non-partner municipality. Results of the MMCI will be presented to USAID and other stakeholders on an annual and end of project basis. These reports will show changes in each municipality as well as overall comparisons between municipalities.