At the time of the partnership, the Government of Kazakhstan was in the process of implementing a sweeping reform agenda to help the country transition from communism to free-market capitalism.  Measures to trim and stabilize the economy while raising the standard of living were coupled with efforts to build civil society through strengthening NGOs and local governments. 

The government embarked on promoting community-based economic development with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses, a field formerly reserved for national heavy industry.  The City of Almaty entered this partnership hoping to adopt some of the U.S. municipal approaches to attract business, community and workforce development, as well as to enhance service delivery to citizens.

The City of Tucson has a reputation as a promoter of innovative municipal practices and as a champion in the area of business attraction.  The city’s Economic Development Department is a showcase for a productive partnership with NGOs and community-based organizations.  Tucson prides itself on its Industrial Techno Park, which together with the exemplary department of Solid Waste Management, was a pivotal resource for the cities’ partnership.