Breaking Down the Roadblocks to Digital Transformation for Local Agencies

For local agencies, digital transformation is not just a trend. It is the path to more efficient services, greater transparency, and stronger community trust.

Yet even when the benefits are clear, the journey can feel overwhelming. The reality is that most challenges are common across agencies, and each one has practical solutions. At CPS, we encounter these roadblocks every day, and we work closely with local agencies to clear the path forward.

Below, we have structured the most frequent questions into a roadblock FAQ, along with strategies to overcome them.

1. How do we overcome cultural resistance to change?

Employees, elected officials, and even community members may resist new technology because they are comfortable with the way things have always been done. The answer is communication and involvement. Explain why transformation matters in terms of real outcomes like faster permitting, simpler records access, or more responsive services. Involve staff early so they feel part of the solution. Pilot programs and quick wins help build momentum and confidence across the agency. CPS often helps our clients by creating phased rollouts that showcase quick successes before moving into larger projects.

2. What about our legacy systems and technical debt?

Many agencies still rely on decades-old systems that feel impossible to replace. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, focus on gradual modernization. Identify which systems are essential, and use integration tools to bridge them with new platforms. Cloud solutions offer scalability, enhanced security, and lower maintenance costs. At CPS, we help agencies connect their legacy systems to Laserfiche, which makes it possible to phase in modern tools while protecting continuity of service.

3. How do we avoid a lack of clear strategy or vision?

It is easy to jump into technology projects without a roadmap, but that is where agencies get stuck. A digital transformation plan should tie each initiative directly to community outcomes. Whether it is quicker agenda processing, automated workflows, or improved citizen portals, make outcomes measurable and aligned to your mission. CPS works with agencies to create roadmaps that balance long-term goals with near-term results, ensuring technology investments never lose sight of community impact.

4. What if we do not have the right skills or talent in-house?

Local agencies often run lean and cannot always hire specialized IT staff. Training current employees is an essential first step, but partnerships can bridge the gap. CPS provides consulting, training, and support so agencies can grow internal champions while relying on our expertise for complex implementations. Over time, this blended approach builds sustainable capacity without overburdening existing staff.

5. How can we handle budget and resource constraints?

Budget limitations are one of the most common hurdles. The solution is to frame transformation as an investment with measurable returns. Start with projects that save money quickly, such as automating invoice processing or digitizing backfile records. These early wins help demonstrate value and justify future funding. CPS also allows agencies to identify creative approaches like phased projects, subscription models, and even regional collaboration to stretch limited budgets further.

6. What do we do about data silos and poor data quality?

When information is scattered across departments or locked in file cabinets, digital transformation slows to a crawl. Agencies can establish data governance policies and centralize access in a single platform. By starting with high-impact datasets, such as council records or utility billing, agencies can demonstrate the benefits of clean, accessible data before expanding further. With Laserfiche, CPS helps local agencies break down silos and ensure data is reliable, secure, and usable across the enterprise.

7. How do we keep leadership aligned?

In local government, competing priorities are a constant reality. A successful transformation requires sponsorship from leadership and collaboration across departments. Establish a governance team that includes representatives from IT, clerks, finance, and operations, ensuring all relevant perspectives are represented. Regular updates and transparent metrics keep the effort enterprise-wide, not siloed in IT. CPS often facilitates this alignment by helping agencies connect technical goals with business outcomes, ensuring leadership sees transformation as a shared success.

Conclusion: Clearing the Path Forward

For local agencies, the roadblocks to digital transformation are real, but none are insurmountable. With transparency, phased planning, innovative partnerships, and a focus on measurable outcomes, agencies can modernize their services and prioritize change management while building trust with staff and citizens.

At CPS, we know that transformation is not just about technology. It is about creating a resilient foundation for the future of public service. By starting small, celebrating early wins, and building momentum, local agencies can turn obstacles into opportunities. The road may not always be easy, but the destination is worth it: efficient, transparent, and future-ready government.