ABSTRACT Although academia occasionally emphasises prioritising the local dimension in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the potential of local governments to contribute to SDGs accomplishment remains a relatively unexplored area within academic discourse. This study aims to elucidate the potential of local governments in achieving the SDGs with qualitative evidence from Türkiye, conducting content analysis on strategic targets presented in a total of 382 strategic plans from 331 municipalities and 51 Special Provincial Administrations (SPAs) covering the years 2020–2024. Notable findings indicate a robust commitment from both local government types to SDG11, emphasising social and cultural life, urban environment, and liveability- a shared intent to enhance resident well-being. However, a substantial gender equality (SDG5) gap persists in both types, while SDGs (7, 12, 13, 14, 17) centred on clean energy, climate change, and sustainable production patterns reveal a weak mutual strategic orientation.