The state normally has a leading role in the provision of both basic social services and also justice and security. In emergency and political crisis contexts, as in Lebanon, however, the central government often fails to reinforce core public service delivery, and intervene in such vitally important areas as utilities (access to electricity, water and sanitation, waste & sewage management), sustainability, safe means of transport, as well as public security and infrastructure. Hence local and regional authorities need to fall back on subsidiarity and assume the responsibility and work to ensure the safe continuation and even improvement of local public service provision to protect lives and wellbeing of their respective communities. Lebanon is increasingly engaging in fragile situations which require tailored approaches, sustained attention and action by the local stakeholders and international community. There is a strong need for broadening understanding of what and how local public services should be to effectively respond to existing challenges, as well as building resilience for future ones.  Collaborative, proactive and timely efforts by decision makers and public are and will be key to boosting local economic empowerment, advancing communities’ right to a dignified urban life, and promising young people a future in their own country.