Local governments are facing a unique set of challenges to maintaining critical infrastructure: aging facility portfolios and deferred maintenance backlogs, compounded with rising energy costs and uncertain funding. From city halls and libraries to water treatment plants and public safety buildings, leaders are being asked to do more with less while maintaining efficient and reliable public services.
To meet these challenges, municipalities must shift from reactive infrastructure maintenance to proactive, strategic capital asset planning. This transition isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building resilience, optimizing budgets and aligning infrastructure investments with long-term community goals.
The cost of inaction on capital asset planning
Modern capital assets form the backbone of reliable local service delivery. Yet, deferred maintenance and reactive budgeting have left many communities vulnerable. According to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), “deferring essential maintenance or asset replacement could reduce the organization’s ability to provide services and threaten public health, safety and overall quality of life”.
smartcitiesdive.com
Published Oct. 27, 2025