This study develops an empirical framework to assess Local Expenditure Needs (LENs) for infrastructure across Italian municipalities from 2016 to 2022, focusing on local transport, waste management, and cultural services. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the Banca Dati delle Amministrazioni Pubbliche (BDAP), which includes over 1,000 variables, the study presents a robust method to quantify the existing gaps in infrastructure investment. The innovative approach leverages capital expenditure data, moving beyond traditional methodologies primarily focusing on current expenditure evaluations.

This contribution introduces a series of gap indicators—Waste Management Gap Indicator (WMGI), Local Transport and Roads Gap Indicator (TRGI), and Cultural Services Gap Indicator (CSGI)—to systematically measure discrepancies between actual and standard capital expenditures. These indicators are visualized through cartograms that highlight geographical disparities and track improvements over the study period. The findings reveal significant regional disparities, particularly between northern and southern municipalities, and underscore the urgent need for targeted investments to bridge these gaps and enhance local resilience and attractiveness. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to optimise infrastructure investments to support sustainable local development across Italy.