Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs

The Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) is responsible for managing and coordinating the Agency's external affairs. LPA serves as USAID’s central point of contact with Congress, the media, interested stakeholders from the international development community, and the American people regarding the Agency’s international development programs and policies. In exercising this leadership role, LPA works closely with the Agency’s Bureaus and Independent Offices, as well as its Federal Advisory Committees. Among LPA’s principal responsibilities are:

• Legislative Affairs. LPA coordinates the Agency’s legislative programs by securing Congressional appropriations, providing information to Congress related to legislation, and advising the Administrator and the Agency regarding the status of pending legislation and related concerns of Members of Congress.
• Strategic Communications. LPA directs the Agency’s external and internal communications strategies; communicates positioning, messaging and branding with USAID Bureaus and regions; and develops outreach and educational programs and products for key audiences, both in the United States and around the world.
• Media Relations. LPA’s Press Office manages the Agency’s relationships with the news media, ensuring consistent and timely communications regarding USAID’s mission, policies, and practices.
• Digital Strategy. LPA leads the Agency’s digital communications strategy, including managing external and internal websites, and engaging with key audiences through new media channels and social networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Public Engagement. LPA advises the Administrator and senior officials regarding strategic external engagement opportunities, develops events and activities that generate support for USAID’s mission, and ensures appropriate protocol for senior-level and/or diplomatic engagements.

LPA coordinates USAID’s outreach and information programs across the various sectors of American society including the media, non-governmental (NGO) and private voluntary organizations, international development companies, think tanks, universities, the private sector, and diaspora communities. In short, LPA serves as the liaison between the Agency and the American people, and supports USAID communications and outreach activities in more than 100 countries around the world.