Maintaining Infrastructure with Long-Term Asset Management

Truong DuongMBA Student, Metropolitan State University of Denver

7 min read

While innovation and new builds often capture attention, maintaining existing infrastructure is just as critical. Many municipal leaders face the challenge of aging roads, bridges, and utility systems that require consistent upkeep. Implementing long-term asset management plans helps local governments make informed decisions about repair and replacement schedules, extending the life of public assets and avoiding costly emergency fixes. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recommends proactive maintenance planning as a way to stretch limited infrastructure budgets while improving public safety and service levels¹.

A successful asset management strategy includes conducting regular condition assessments, tracking lifecycle costs, and integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and monitor physical assets. For example, the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan uses a centralized asset management system that supports data-driven decisions across departments, resulting in better coordination and reduced maintenance costs². Municipal leaders should prioritize funding for tools and staff training to support this kind of approach, as it builds resilience into infrastructure management practices and aligns capital planning with long-term fiscal sustainability.

Integrating Climate Resilience into Core Infrastructure

Infrastructure must be designed and upgraded with climate resilience in mind. Flooding, heatwaves, and extreme weather events are becoming more common, placing new demands on drainage systems, transportation networks, and energy grids. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has highlighted the importance of incorporating hazard mitigation into infrastructure planning to reduce future disaster recovery costs³. This means using materials and designs that can withstand climate stressors and tailoring solutions to specific regional risks.

Cities like Norfolk, Virginia have begun integrating flood resilience into their infrastructure planning through strategies such as elevated roadways and permeable pavements that reduce stormwater runoff⁴. Infrastructure resilience also includes ensuring continuity of services during crises. For example, distributed energy resources like microgrids allow critical facilities to remain operational during grid outages. Municipal leaders should access federal resilience funding, such as through FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, to support these upgrades. Embedding resilience into capital projects from the outset can prevent costly retrofits later and protect vulnerable populations.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure as a Basic Utility

In the modern era, digital infrastructure is as essential as water and electricity. High-speed internet enables education, healthcare access, and economic participation. Yet many rural and low-income urban communities remain underserved. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that over 14 million Americans lack access to broadband, with actual figures potentially higher due to outdated mapping⁵. Addressing this digital divide requires a coordinated approach involving federal grants, local planning, and partnerships with internet service providers.

Municipal broadband initiatives offer one path forward. Cities like Chattanooga, Tennessee have demonstrated that public investment in fiber networks can deliver reliable, affordable service while spurring local economic development. To scale digital infrastructure effectively, municipal leaders should conduct local needs assessments, apply for funding through programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and engage community stakeholders in planning. Equitable access to digital infrastructure supports workforce development, improves government service delivery, and helps close systemic opportunity gaps.

Workforce Development for Infrastructure Innovation

Infrastructure modernization depends not only on technology but also on skilled workers. As cities shift toward smart and sustainable systems, there is an urgent need to train workers in fields such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and data analytics. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified infrastructure-related occupations as among the fastest growing, particularly in transportation, construction, and broadband deployment. Yet many local governments face shortages of qualified personnel to support these projects.

Addressing this gap requires partnerships with community colleges, trade unions, and workforce development agencies. Programs like the Los Angeles Regional Infrastructure Accelerator are aligning training pipelines with upcoming infrastructure projects to ensure a ready workforce⁸. Municipal governments should play an active role in identifying local labor needs, coordinating with regional employers, and supporting apprenticeships and credentialing programs. Investing in workforce development not only supports infrastructure goals but also broadens access to good-paying, long-term careers.

Leveraging Intergovernmental Coordination for Project Success

Infrastructure projects often cross jurisdictional boundaries, requiring strong coordination among municipal, county, state, and federal agencies. Whether it’s a regional transit system or a watershed-based stormwater project, collaboration ensures that investments align with broader goals and regulatory requirements. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that fragmented planning can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and missed opportunities for efficiency⁹.

Formalizing coordination through interagency working groups or joint infrastructure task forces can improve communication and streamline decision-making. For example, the Puget Sound Regional Council coordinates transportation planning across multiple counties in Washington State, allowing projects to leverage shared data and draw from a common funding strategy¹⁰. Municipal leaders should advocate for clear roles, shared goals, and consistent communication protocols when engaging with regional or state partners. Effective intergovernmental coordination reduces duplication and allows infrastructure systems to function as cohesive networks rather than isolated components.

Using Performance Metrics to Guide Infrastructure Outcomes

As infrastructure becomes more complex, it is essential to track performance and outcomes through standardized metrics. Performance-based infrastructure management helps ensure that projects deliver on their intended goals, whether it’s reducing emissions, shortening commute times, or improving water quality. The National Performance Management Measures program by the Federal Highway Administration illustrates how federal standards can guide local transportation improvements¹¹.

Municipalities can adopt similar models across infrastructure types by setting clear benchmarks and reporting progress transparently. For instance, New York City's environmental sustainability plan includes annual updates on greenhouse gas reductions, energy usage, and green infrastructure deployment¹². Municipal leaders should work with engineers, planners, and community stakeholders to define success indicators early in the planning process. Publishing performance dashboards not only promotes accountability but also builds public trust and encourages continuous improvement.

Conclusion: Infrastructure as a Strategic Investment

Infrastructure is the foundation that enables cities to function, grow, and thrive. But it must be more than a set of physical assets. With careful planning, strong community engagement, and a focus on equity and resilience, infrastructure can become a strategic platform for innovation and inclusion. Municipal government practitioners have a unique opportunity to shape this future by integrating data, sustainability, and workforce development into every project.

Long-term success requires treating infrastructure not just as a cost, but as an investment in people and place. By aligning local priorities with state and federal resources, and by building partnerships across sectors, cities can create systems that support vibrant, connected communities. The work may be complex, but the outcomes - safety, opportunity, and sustainability - are well worth the effort.

Bibliography

American Society of Civil Engineers. 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. Reston, VA: ASCE, 2021.
City of Grand Rapids. “Strategic Asset Management Plan.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program Support Materials. Washington, DC: FEMA, 2022.
City of Norfolk. “Resilience Strategy.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.norfolk.gov.
Federal Communications Commission. 2022 Broadband Deployment Report. Washington, DC: FCC, 2022.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Chattanooga Fiber: A Model for Municipal Broadband.” Accessed April 2024. https://ilsr.org/chattanooga-fiber-model.
U.S. Department of Labor. Employment Projections: 2021-2031. Washington, DC: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023.
Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. “Infrastructure Accelerator Program.” Accessed April 2024. https://laedc.org.
U.S. Government Accountability Office. Infrastructure: Key Considerations for Implementing Intergovernmental Coordination. Washington, DC: GAO, 2022.
Puget Sound Regional Council. “Transportation Planning Overview.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.psrc.org.
Federal Highway Administration. National Performance Management Measures. Washington, DC: FHWA, 2023.
City of New York. “OneNYC Progress Report.” Accessed April 2024. https://onenyc.cityofnewyork.us.