Cybersecurity expenditures—whether for infrastructure, software, or third-party services—must be justified, transparent, and aligned with public accountability. For local governments, this isn’t merely an IT budget line item; it’s a strategic investment in public trust, operational continuity, and the resilience of essential services.
Cybersecurity as a Public Trust Investment
Local governments face increasing pressure to defend against cyber threats while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility. Cybersecurity is not just a technical expense—it’s a strategic pillar of modern governance. Embedding cybersecurity into public service delivery ensures reliability, equity, and trust in digital government systems.
Building the Business Case
To ensure responsible governance, local leaders must establish robust processes for approving cyber investments. This begins with requiring formal business cases for major IT projects. These cases should clearly tie spending to specific service outcomes and demonstrate how the investment supports continuity, compliance, and risk reduction.
Departments should ask key questions when considering technology procurements—such as how the technology will be used, where data will be stored, and what laws govern its protection. These considerations help frame cybersecurity as an enterprise risk, not just an IT concern.
Governance and Oversight
Typically, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) presents the business case for recommended solutions. The Board’s role is to evaluate whether the proposed spending is justified and defensible, particularly under public scrutiny. This includes assessing proposed projects within an annual budget and ideally incorporating a 3–5 year roadmap of IT initiatives, each linked to a specific business objective and budget.
Enterprise Governance of Information and Technology (EGIT) ensures that technology delivers value while managing digital risks.
Procurement Integrity and Transparency
Before granting approval, it’s crucial to address potential conflicts of interest and ensure a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process has been followed. Policies should also outline how cost overruns or emergency funding requests will be handled, maintaining transparency and control.
Municipalities renewing cyber insurance must submit formal applications and may access complimentary services like phishing simulations and incident response planning. This reinforces the need for structured, policy-driven procurement and renewal processes.
Funding Opportunities
Encouragingly, federal and state support is growing. The Department of Homeland Security recently launched over $100 million in funding to strengthen community cyber defenses through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP). These grants support planning, hiring, and service improvements—critical for smaller municipalities with limited budgets.
Tips for Local Leaders
Here are actionable steps to help municipalities secure and manage cyber expenditures:
- Develop a Cybersecurity Roadmap
Include a 3–5 year schedule of IT initiatives with clear objectives and budget estimates. - Use Templates and Guides
Leverage resources from the Local Government Guide to Cybersecurity to standardize risk assessments, asset inventories, and incident reporting. - Engage Stakeholders Early
Include elected officials, department heads, and community representatives in cybersecurity planning to build consensus and transparency. - Monitor Regulatory Changes
Stay informed about mandates (e.g., requirements for annual cybersecurity training for municipal employees). - Apply for Federal Grants
Visit CISA’s cyber grants portal to explore funding opportunities. - Track Insurance Requirements
Ensure compliance with cyber insurance applications and renewal protocols.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a strategic priority. By embedding it into governance, budgeting, and procurement processes, local governments can build resilient digital ecosystems that protect public services and earn community trust. As stewards of public resources, elected officials must champion cybersecurity not just as a technical safeguard, but as a cornerstone of modern governance.
Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance 