2026 Citizen Trust and Digital Expectations Survey Report

Springbrook surveyed 1,063 U.S. residents who actively pay utility and municipal fees to uncover how technology, cybersecurity, AI, and communication are shaping public perception of local government.

What's at stake for local government in 2026?

Citizens are no longer evaluating local government based solely on services — they're evaluating trust, transparency, responsiveness, and digital capability. Springbrook surveyed over 1,000 U.S. residents who actively pay utility and municipal fees to uncover exactly what they expect, and where governments are falling short.

What you'll learn:

  • Why outdated software is now viewed as a public trust risk
  • How digital experience quality impacts citizen satisfaction
  • What residents expect from government cybersecurity communication
  • Where citizens support AI — and where they remain cautious
  • Why modernization must be visible and communicated to matter
Citizen Expectations Survey