A financial abyss is looming for many municipalities in 2026: the so-called ravine year.
With the removal of temporary State contributions and rising costs in many areas, many municipalities will have to tighten their belts.
Several municipalities are looking ahead just now and using this period as an opportunity.
At NEO, we see an increasing number of municipalities strategically handling their remaining 2025 budgets. Not by using them up by necessity, but by smartly betting on data-driven solutions that will prove their worth in 2026 by increasing efficiency.
Why investing now is smart
Municipalities face major challenges: housing construction, climate adaptation, biodiversity and energy transition. At the same time, the financial playing field is tightening. The implementation of policies must not come to a standstill, but that is a threat if fewer resources are available in 2026.
By investing in data services now, municipalities can:
- Working more efficiently - Data services automate manual tasks and fill capacity gaps, allowing municipalities to do more with fewer people.
- Ensuring continuity - Entering into contracts or licences now will keep important processes going in 2026, even as budgets tighten.
- Winning time - With up-to-date data, policymakers can make quicker and more informed choices, for example on housing locations or climate measures.
- Keeping ahead of national targets - Data help prevent projects from slowing down or missing out on grants due to lack of monitoring and accountability.
Concrete examples of smart forward thinking
With our earth observation services, we help municipalities work more efficiently and keep a grip on their living environment. Think of:
- Automatic change reporting (BAG/BGT) - Keep basic registrations up to date without additional manpower.
- Tree base - Support the implementation of the Nature Restoration Act with the monitoring of all trees (public and private).
- Tree risk - Manage infrastructure risks from trees and tree roots around cables and pipes.
- Green Blue Veining (GBDA) - Monitoring green blue networks and biodversity.
- Asbestos detection - Identify risks before they generate costs.
- Solar panel monitoring - Contribute to energy transition and sustainability goals.
- Pavement analysis - Reduce heat stress and climate risks with objective data.
These data services can be purchased or extended now so that they continue smoothly in 2026 when budget space will be limited.
Municipalities can take a step now
The canyon year is not only a financial risk, but also a time to reassess policies. Municipalities that invest ahead in reliable data strengthen their agility, operate more efficiently and better substantiate their choices.
At NEO, we help municipalities take that step now.
Together, we will ensure that 2026 is not a ravine, but a bridge to smarter, data-driven policy.
