Digital tools for local governments
Digital tools for local governments
January 2026
This guideline compiles existing tools designed to help local and regional governments integrate digital solutions for improved public service delivery.
With the rise of digital technologies, cities and local governments are cities and local governments are continuously seeking the latest and most innovative digital solutions. However, the pace of market innovation often outstrips the public sector’s ability to assess, select, and adapt these tools efficiently.
This guideline provides a list of digital tools accompanied by practical use cases to support their application.
Since each local context has its own needs and resources, the guideline also includes key considerations for applying each tool, such as connectivity requirements, human resource needs, and capacity conditions.
five categories of DIGITAL TOOLS
1. Tools for data collection and analysis
2. Tools for governance
3. Tools for data visualisation
4. Cloud services
5. Digital public infrastructure
1. Tools for data collection and analysis
Data refers to objective information, such as targets, indicators, demographic statistics, case numbers and other measurements that can be gathered directly by local governments through surveys, site visits, interviews with residents, or obtained from third parties.
Tools in the data collection and analysis category include platforms for accessing open-source datasets and tools for gathering data in the field.
Data collection helps local governments allocate resources, improve services, and reduce risks by enabling them to understand urban environments and residents. It’s essential for evidence-based decisions.
2. Tools for local governance
Participatory governance and data collection tools offer a platform for local governments to listen to citizens, gather feedback on public policies, and make better decisions regarding public service delivery.
They also promote inclusion, facilitate co-design that leverages collective intelligence, and build trust through increased transparency and accountability in public actions.
3. Tools for data visualisation
Tools for data visualization may transform raw numbers into stories, information and insights that the general public can understand.
Data visualizations help governments communicate how decisions are made and the impact of local choices on daily life in the city, increasing transparency at the local level.
Data visualizations help ensure informed decisions and promote innovation by uncovering insights that would otherwise go unnoticed without such data.
4. Cloud services tools
Cloud services include computation, storage, databases, analytics, and software. For local governments, cloud deployment can be public, private, or hybrid.
Local governments often use cloud services for a scalable, cost-effective, and efficient IT architecture to support operations, perform calculations, and host digital services.
5. Digital Public Infrastructure tools
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) consists of open technology standards and infrastructure that connect data management and exchange platforms, serving as the foundation of the digital ecosystem.
DPI promotes the smooth exchange of information and secure interactions among different government agencies, people, and businesses by breaking down organizational silos. Its benefits include improved service delivery, evidence-based decision-making, and increased transparency.
Data-driven urban digital ecosystem
Most tools require internet access, especially for cloud and DPI. However, offline options are also available for data collection, data analysis, governance tools, and data visualization.
Data collection and governance tools serve as data providers since they connect directly to citizens.
Cloud services act as an intermediary component. They connect to data providers to store and process data, facilitate data analysis and visualization, and support DPI by providing more computational power.
Data visualisation relies on data providers to convert raw data into actionable insights. These insights can either be communicated via DPI, where they are combined with other analytics, or used directly to aid decision-making and public communication.
DPI serves as the central link connecting the other four components. It ensures that participatory governance data is interoperable, scalable via cloud, and transformed into insights through analysis and visualization. DPI enables sharing insights with people and institutions through inclusive, secure, accessible digital services.
Local governments are increasingly adopting digital tools for various functions
- Public services provision.
- Planning and implementation: organize, plan, and implement economic, social, or environmental public policies.
- Management of natural resources and safeguard the environment.
- Social and cultural improvement: encourage community involvement and promote the social and cultural growth of their residents.
- Protection and recovery: protect inhabitants from harm and recover from disaster.
The adoption of digital tools can be centered on people, focusing on residents' realities, needs, and aspirations. Consider some of the following principles:
1.
Outcome-focused approach
- Start by defining the problem.
- Define how digital tools can help.
- Adapt and implement.
2.
Relevance and context-sensitive
- Align tools with local culture and local needs.
- Avoid using one-size-fits-all solutions.
- Customize support for each city’s specific context.
3.
Consider the legislative framework, policies, and organizational structure
- Map current systems and secure regulatory and policy backing for digital tools.
- Clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
- Enhance skills in digital tools and improve digital literacy.
4.
Ask, before using data
- Data sovereignty: does the use of data adhere to local laws and regulations?
- Data rights and licensing: Does the government have the legal and ethical right to use this data? Does its license allow the intended use (e.g., analysis, sharing, or commercial application)?
- Data security: is the data stored securely, with risks of leakage or misuse evaluated and mitigated?
- Data fairness: could the use of data lead to bias, discrimination, or harm to vulnerable groups?
5.
Do, before using data
- Explain to citizens what data is being collected, how it will be analyzed, and for what purpose.
- Obtain consent when necessary and be responsible for any misuse.
In this guideline, a list of tools available as of January 2026 has been compiled, acknowledging that the sector rapidly introduces new products and that the public sector often requires additional time to understand, procure, and implement them.
Criteria
The following list has been chosen based on these criteria.
- Tools already utilized by local governments
- Tools that can be used regardless of the regional or geographical context
- Low-cost or affordability tools
- Tools adaptable to different local contexts
- Tools that address data security concerns, using the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a reference standard
- Interoperability
- Use of open source and scalability
- Multilingual
CATALOGUE OF EXISITING DIGITAL TOOLS
(January 2026)
