The Reflections series synthesizes lessons from past evaluations to support organizational learning about what works and what doesn't. This paper examines past evaluations to provide seven lessons on support for local governance in countries in crisis:

1. Local governance programming is an effective way to build blocks and assist in crisis recovery and prevention efforts.
2. A holistic approach to local governance programming works well to reduce fragmentation, create synergies and enhance efficiencies at the local level.
3. Improving local infrastructure and capacities is critical to enable host communities cope with demands created by refugees and IDPs.
4. Rapid assessments of local needs are good tools to prioritize needs and develop appropriate responses in the aftermath of crisis.
5. Decentralization reforms are important investments towards better-structured municipalities to address crisis but require an early start and long-term commitment.
6. Linking successful individual interventions at the local level to national policy reform is an effective way to scale up interventions and enable wider impact.
7. Inclusive and bottom-up approaches promote the engagement of local stakeholders in planning and build back better processes and contribute to achieving lasting results.