LG Horizons is the LGA’s programme for exploring the future of local government and helping councils prepare for long-term change. This is the central hub for Horizons updates, insights, resources and opportunities to get involved.
Local government faces a period of rapid change. From demographic shifts to the digital revolution, local areas are constantly adapting to new realities. LG Horizons brings together our work on big‑picture planning, new technology and local community change to help the sector prepare for the next decade.
The programme supports people responsible for long‑term strategic direction in local government – including chief executives, directors, transformation leads and portfolio holders and also helps partners in health, policing, central government and academia connect with emerging reform priorities.
It creates space for collective learning, fresh insight and practical support so councils can explore new ideas, strengthen strategic thinking, and test approaches that improve outcomes for communities.
What is the LG Horizons programme?
LG Horizons is about imagining tomorrow and preparing for it today. It connects the LGA’s work on public service reform, digital transformation, and place leadership to support councils in three key areas:
- rethinking the mandate: Exploring what local government stands for in a changing world and how to use that mandate to build trust and shape the future
- new operating models: Designing services that are preventative, user-centred, and digitally enabled
- the 2040 mission: Examining the trends and possibilities that could shape local government over the next decade, helping councils plan for multiple futures.
Our key projects
LG 2040: LG 2040 is our flagship research initiative. The project will explore signals of change and map possible futures through collaboration with partners across different places and perspectives, supporting local government to lead boldly into 2040.
Digital and data horizons: Strengthening councils’ digital and data foundations for reform. This includes capability support, sector-led learning, and exploring what a digitally enabled, data-informed council of the future could look like.
Our networks
The LG Horizons Network
The LG Horizons Network is a peer network for senior council officers working on the long-term future of local government. It is a space to step back from operational pressures, build strategic foresight skills, and connect with peers tackling similar long-term challenges.
Find out more about the LG Horizons Network and join.
Our resources
The Future Directions podcast
Our spin off podcast series, brings together sector leaders, futurists, and innovators for insightful conversations about the trends and ideas shaping local government’s future. Building on the success of our Digital Directions series, this ongoing platform explores emerging challenges and opportunities – helping listeners stay ahead of change.
Case studies
Explore how local government and partners are using horizon scanning techniques to anticipate change, testing new approaches to governance, service design, and community engagement.
Guidance
New guidance and tools to support councils with strategic planning, data governance and public service reform will be published here soon.
Upcoming events
Updates on debates, webinars and opportunities to engage with the programme will appear here throughout the year.
Contact us
Have a question about the programme or want to share your council's work?
Email us at [email protected]
