Over recent decades, urban areas have expanded in number, population and complexity, intensifying governance challenges. In response, local governments have turned to smart governance. This article introduces a new theoretical model of smart governance and applies it to empirical data from 18 Lithuanian municipalities. Using a quantitative survey of local government representatives, the study explores how smart governance dimensions manifest at the local level, and how officials’ tenure influences this. Statistical tools reveal both commonalities and differences across municipalities. The research broadens the concept of smart governance beyond its technological focus, positioning it as a comprehensive analytical tool in municipal studies.