The Arab Center for Alternative Planning (ACAP), in partnership with BIMKOM, implemented a roundtable session on February 15, 2012 at ACAP’s offices in Eilaboun for representatives of Arab municipalities.  The aim of the session was to present the results of joint research implemented by the partners on the status of local Master Plans in Arab townships.  This research is part of a larger project financially supported by the European Union.  The roundtable session allowed the opportunity to consult with the representatives regarding the research findings and recommendations before submission of the final research report. 

The research conducted by ACAP and BIMKOM evaluated the status of Master Plans in Arab towns in Israel and presented comparisons between Arab and Jewish townships.  The research was comprised of two parts:  (1) a comprehensive survey of the development of Master Plans in the Arab towns; and (2) a series of comparisons between Master Plans in Arab townships and Master Plans in Jewish towns.

The results found from the research were presented by Reem Swaid, urban planner from ACAP, and Cesar Yehudkin, urban planner from BIMKOM, to the mayors, engineers, and other representatives from Arab municipalities who participated in the round table session.  Dialogue was initiated to consult with them regarding the recommendations derived from the research. 

Among those who participated in the roundtable session included:  MK Dr. Hanna Swaid, Mr. Raja Khateeb, mayor of Deir Hanna municipality, Mr. Elijah Araf, mayor of M’lya municipality, and several other representatives from other Arab local authorities.  Participants engaged in a lengthy dialogue on recommendations that will benefit Arab towns and villages. 

The final research report, including recommendations discussed during the roundtable session, will be published in upcoming months and disseminated to all Arab local authorities.  In addition, it will be available in both ACAP’s and BIMKOM’s offices and websites.