Brightly Software Releases New Data on Americans’ Local Government Infrastructure Outlook

Results highlight opportunities to address funding challenges with asset investment planning 

CARY, N.C. – September 24, 2024 – A new study from Brightly Software, a Siemens company and leader in intelligent asset management, found that more than half (54%) of Americans feel their local government has the resources to serve the community, yet 49% believe securing more money and funding should be a top priority to improve local government infrastructure.   
The poll of over 1,000 U.S. consumers also found that while respondents are somewhat confident in overall infrastructure condition, 1 in 5 are concerned about the condition of their local public transportation and only 45% feel safe traveling on roads and bridges. 
“While consumers’ opinions are mixed about the condition of their local infrastructure, the survey found low confidence about cities’ ability to create short- or long-term asset management plans,” said Jennifer Perkins, senior government industry specialist at Brightly Software. “While local governments have received federal funds aimed at improving infrastructure, there is a clear need for asset investment planning (AIP) to support data-driven decisions to optimize funds while providing the visibility needed to build citizen trust.” 
Additional insights from the study include: 

• Infrastructure Conditions Beginning to Close the Gap: 40% of respondents rated their community’s public infrastructure a “B,” while 1 in 4 respondents gave a “C” rating, and 36% say the state of local infrastructure would impact decisions on where to live and whether to move. However, only 47% believe their local city or town government knows the true age and condition of local infrastructure. 
• The Foundation is in Place to Improve Infrastructure: 45% are confident their local government has the data needed to make decisions about infrastructure, 43% believe the government has the technology needed and 43% believe the funding is in place. However, only 35% believe governments have the staff needed to maintain infrastructure. 
• Sustainability Has a Long Road Ahead: 53% believe their local government is more environmentally conscious than it was five years ago. However, only 26% are confident their city or town are thinking about improving sustainability over the next five years, and only 12% feel their public buildings are energy efficient.
• Lack of Long-Term Planning: While 41% believe their local government has a plan in place to maintain or upgrade infrastructure for the next ten years, only 28% believe their governments are thinking ahead to the next 30 years. However, 63% are somewhat confident in their local government’s ability to handle a natural disaster. 

“The past few years have marked a critical point in America for public infrastructure, with President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) applying federal funding to prevent further failure or degradation. Capital planning can support governments to optimize this funding and develop long-term asset management plans to move the needle on repairing our nation’s infrastructure,” says Nigel Hughes, head of product at Brightly Software. “It is our privilege to work with and support local governments across the country to utilize their data for more intelligent decision making to create better communities for all citizens.”

Brightly Software works with government departments across facilities, public works and more to enable smarter asset management for better financial and operational decisions. Organizations like the City of Asheville, North Carolina, the City of Blue Springs, Missouri and the City of Howe, Texas rely on Brightly for intelligent asset management to better manage their communities.
Learn more about Brightly Software’s asset management for government solutions at the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference September 21-25 in booth 311. View more findings from the data, here. 
 

About the Study 
This survey was conducted via Dynata and polled 1,000 general U.S.-based consumers over 18 years of age in April 2024. Respondents were segmented and analyzed across age groups, gender, marital status, having children and household income. For complete survey methodology, please email Brightly@pancomm.com.

About Brightly Software 

Brightly Software, a Siemens company, enables organizations to transform the performance of their assets. As the global leader in intelligent asset management solutions, Brightly’s sophisticated cloud-based platform leverages more than 20 years of data to deliver predictive insights that help users through the key phases of the entire asset lifecycle. More than 12,000 clients of every size worldwide depend on Brightly’s complete suite of intuitive software – including CMMS, EAM, Strategic Asset Management, IoT Remote Monitoring, Sustainability and Community Engagement. Paired with award-winning training, support and consulting services, Brightly helps light the way to a bright future with smarter assets and sustainable communities. For more information, visit www.brightlysoftware.com.