(Note: This report was originally produced in German. This case study is based on an English interpretation of the findings.)

The challenge

Local government is under growing pressure to modernise while remaining accessible, transparent, and trusted.

For BVS, the challenge was understanding how citizens across Bavaria view the performance of their local administrations — and where expectations are changing fastest.

From digital services and AI to communication, economic development, and public trust, the goal was to build a clearer picture of what people now expect from modern public administration.

The approach

Arlington Research partnered with BVS to deliver the BVS Stimmungsbarometer 2026, surveying 1,000 eligible voters across all seven Bavarian administrative regions.

The study explored attitudes towards:

• Digitalisation and e-government
• Artificial intelligence in public services
• Communication and transparency
• Local economic development
• Public services and citizen experience

The research also included qualitative interviews with mayors from across Bavaria to provide additional context around operational pressures and future priorities.

The insight

The findings reveal a public that is broadly supportive of modernisation — but with clear expectations around trust, transparency, and usability.

Citizens want faster, more accessible digital services, yet many still feel disconnected from how decisions are made locally. Communication emerged as one of the strongest recurring themes throughout the research, particularly around transparency and citizen engagement.

The report also highlights the tension between technological progress and public confidence. While attitudes towards digitalisation and AI are largely positive, concerns around data security, complexity, and over-reliance on technology remain significant.

Alongside this, economic concerns continue to shape public expectations — particularly around jobs, regional development, and support for rural communities.

The impact

The report provides local government leaders with a detailed view of where public expectations are rising — and where gaps remain between policy, service delivery, and citizen experience.

It highlights the importance of combining digital transformation with clear communication, practical usability, and visible public value.

For BVS, the research reinforces its role as a strategic partner to local government, helping administrations better understand citizen expectations and prepare for future challenges.

Download the report
Report published in German