Governments leverage digital technologies to strengthen public administration at all levels; ICT integration can expand and improve services provision, streamline and optimize internal processes, and allow residents to engage with institutions and public issues in multiple ways both nationally and locally. The importance of local government is sometimes overlooked or undervalued; however, as highlighted in the New Urban Agenda, international organizations are well aware that the contribution of subnational and local governments to policy definition and implementation is as important as that of national Governments.

Local governments are increasingly embracing digital technologies for a variety of purposes. Many use ICT to disclose and disseminate public information. Municipalities can share details relating to their plans and objectives, daily operations, and service offerings (including mechanisms for interacting with local government). Digital platforms can also be used for outreach. Cities can engage in creative marketing and promote local tourism among wider (and often specifically targeted) audiences. ICT plays an important role in facilitating communication and consultation, enabling a wide range of stakeholders to interact with and participate in local governance and contribute to decision-making either directly or indirectly. Multistakeholderism is gaining a foothold in local contexts as digitalization offers expanded opportunities for a range of different actors to become involved in virtually every aspect of policy deliberation processes. Using ICT for services delivery helps local governments streamline operations and reduce their administrative burden, facilitates remote interaction with the public and more efficient internal communication and collaboration, and increases overall efficiency in a way that is friendly to the environment.