LocalUp

The LocalUp initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to expand employment opportunities for their residents, with a focus on revitalization of local industrial zones. This is part of a region-based effort of JDC-Tevet’s, in partnership with Rashi, to assist municipalities in advancing inclusive employment and productivity. The initiative operates through close collaboration between the local authority, the regional cluster, and the partners’ team, which provides guidance and connections to government agencies, the business sector, and philanthropy.

The initiative includes two parallel tracks – local and regional. The main components of the local track are:

• Capacity building within the local authority: setting up and training a municipal leading team, and developing a work plan based on mapping and data.
• Human capital: professional development programs to enhance the existing workforce and align its skills with employers’ needs.
• Business capital: developing mechanisms for cooperation between the local authority and the business sector, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises, establishment of a business community, and more.
• “Sandbox” environment for developing the industrial zone as a competitive, attractive hub with professional management and advanced services for businesses.

The regional track supports the upgrade of the industrial zone with strategic planning and advice, policy advocacy, and creation of interfaces between the local and regional levels, while also drafting detailed models for future replication and scaling of the initiative.

The first phase of the initiative operates as a pilot in four local authorities: Safed and Hatzor HaGlilit in the Eastern Galilee, and Acre and Ma’alot-Tarshiha in the Western Galilee.

Partners

Local authorities | Government | Philanthropy