How to build a case for change in local government

If you’ve ever tried to introduce a new technology solution in local government, you know the challenge: securing executive-level buy-in. While you and your team recognise the potential of new systems to drive efficiency, streamline processes, and improve service delivery, demonstrating value is often the biggest hurdle.

Senior decision  makers juggle multiple priorities – budget constraints, risk management, and compliance obligations – so introducing a new technology, to an already exhausted list, requires a compelling case. Without it, promising innovations stall, leaving councils reliant on outdated systems, manual processes and missing opportunities for improvement.

The impact of stalled decision making

Council executives aren’t resistant to change for the sake of it; they need assurance that a new platform aligns with strategic goals, council plans, delivers measurable value, and won’t create unforeseen risks. Without this clarity, technology adoption is deprioritised, leading to inefficiencies, disengaged staff, and missed opportunities to enhance community outcomes.

How to effectively communicate the value of a solution

To gain executive buy-in, the conversation must shift from promoting a tool to demonstrating its strategic value. A compelling business case should include:

• Strategic alignment: How does the platform support council objectives and fit within broader frameworks?
• Evidence-based decision-making: Can you provide case studies and internal data to demonstrate its effectiveness?
• Financial justification: Where are the cost-benefit trade-offs? Can you outline efficiencies gained and potential return of investment?
• Risk mitigation: What reassurances can be given about implementation, security, and integration with existing systems?

Steps to strengthen the case for buy-in

Engage early and build internal champions
Identify key stakeholders such as IT, Finance, or service delivery teams who can advocate for the initiative and help ensure alignment before presenting the case to executives.

Use data to strengthen the narrative
Leverage insights, performance gaps, inefficiencies and opportunities to highlight why change is necessary. Use metrics or case studies from similar organisations to provide creditability.

Address the ‘Why Now?’ factor
Help executives see why the solution would benefit your council now. Outline how the solution fits within current priorities and highlights risks of delaying action, such as inefficiencies, compliance risks, or declining community trust.

Make implementation feel achievable
Executives often hesitate due to perceived complexity or risk of low-adoption. Provide a clear, phased implementation plan to illustrate how the transition can be managed with minimal disruption.

Demonstrate community & employee impact
Go beyond internal efficiencies - frame it as a tool that enables better outcomes for the community you serve.

Paul Bennett, General Manager at Tamworth Regional Council, shares the impact of a successful project when all key stakeholders are key champions throughout the business;

“Executing any organisational project like this requires strong, committed leadership from the executive management team. To support this, AskYourTeam collaborated with our People and Culture team to develop a series of workshops and demonstrations, giving us the confidence to fully commit to the project. Once the executive was on board, it was crucial to cascade that commitment throughout the organisation. We engaged managers, team leaders, and supervisors as key champions, ensuring the project's implementation was driven at every level and across the organisation.”

Set the stage for success with your leadership team

Unlocking executive buy-in isn’t about pushing another technology platform into the mix – it’s about demonstrating strategic value, aligning with council priorities, and ensuring a smooth implementation process. Work with AskYourTeam to drive community partnership and build a compelling case for action in your council. 

Interested in how AskYourTeam can help your council? And need support in building a case for change? Reach out to us today and let’s make a difference together!