In part two of The Infrastructure Imperative blog series, we explore the role of data and technology in infrastructure planning, climate change, and how to break down silos. Missed part one? Read about why decision-making is only getting more complex
Moving beyond traditional funding decisions
While the infrastructure challenge is clear, making funding decisions isn’t as straightforward. Cities must balance their need to support infrastructure funding for projects without overwhelming taxpayers or driving away businesses.
In North America, Canadian and US municipalities handle infrastructure financing and asset investment planning differently.
Canadian provinces have implemented mandatory asset management practices that tie funding to comprehensive infrastructure planning. To receive financial support, cities must demonstrate a detailed understanding of their assets, condition, and maintenance needs. This provincial approach has resulted in systematic infrastructure management and created a clear framework for investment decisions.
While US states have fewer mandatory requirements, some cities are improving their infrastructure management through technology and analytics. By using data-driven infrastructure tools, cities can better articulate their needs and justify funding requests with evidence-based assessments that demonstrate how investments maintain service levels and reduce long-term costs.
This data-driven infrastructure approach is helping municipalities secure better bond ratings and more affordable financing for critical projects. Others are leveraging targeted strategies—using clear communication about priorities such as lead pipe replacement or flood control—to access federal grants and multiple funding sources. Transparent, data-based decisions also help build public trust and improve outcomes for communities.
Breaking down silos
Arcadis’ work with many cities shows the need for unified infrastructure management. Often, departments operate independently—water agencies schedule pipe repairs while transportation teams plan roadwork on the same street, or park departments plant trees without coordinating with utilities underground. The result? Inefficiencies, higher costs, and disruptions for residents.
Cities like Washington, DC, are pioneering integrated approaches. The city centralized its infrastructure planning under the Office of the CFO, creating a single point of oversight. This office collects and analyzes data across departments, maintaining a shared view of infrastructure needs while preserving departmental expertise.
Other cities prefer distributed models where departments retain autonomy but contribute to a shared data platform. Both approaches have merit—the key is finding the right balance that promotes collaboration while maintaining accountability.
Learn more about Enterprise Decision Analytics.
Coming up in part three:
Part three of The Infrastructure Imperative blog series will share insights into the power of data in business decisions as well as upcoming trends in the engineering workforce.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is a global transformation partner, driving some of the most impactful projects of our time. We help clients make sustainable choices by combining digital innovation, human expertise, and future-focused skills across environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Going beyond traditional design, engineering, and consultancy, we use data-driven insights to deliver tailored solutions in the spaces and environments we shape together. With over 35,000 people, we unite global expertise to tackle challenges like climate, energy affordability, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in 30+ countries. In 2024, we achieved €5.0 billion in gross revenues. Learn more at www.arcadis.com.
