Accelerated urbanization, climate change, digital transformation, and increasing socio-economic inequalities have significantly reshaped the contemporary urban environment, creating new challenges for public governance. In this context, adaptive urban governance has emerged as a strategic approach for enhancing urban resilience and improving citizens' quality of life. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between adaptive urban governance and quality of life in Bulgarian cities by analysing the capacity of local governments to respond effectively to dynamic economic, social, environmental, and technological changes. The research is based on a comprehensive review of the contemporary scientific literature, combined with an analytical assessment of governance practices and strategic policy frameworks relevant to urban development in Bulgaria. The analysis focuses on key dimensions of quality of life, including access to public services, sustainable urban mobility, environmental quality, digital transformation of public administration, public safety, social inclusion, and institutional effectiveness. The findings indicate that the implementation of adaptive governance mechanisms, supported by smart city technologies, data-driven decision-making, integrated policy coordination, and active stakeholder participation, contributes to higher administrative efficiency, improved public service delivery, and greater urban sustainability. However, the study also identifies several structural challenges, including limited administrative capacity, insufficient inter-institutional cooperation, uneven levels of digitalization, and significant regional disparities in innovation potential. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on adaptive urban governance by providing an integrated conceptual perspective applicable to the Bulgarian context. Furthermore, it offers practical policy recommendations for strengthening institutional adaptability and supporting sustainable urban development. The findings may assist policymakers, local authorities, and researchers in designing governance models capable of enhancing resilience, promoting inclusive growth, and achieving long-term improvements in citizens' quality of life under conditions of increasing uncertainty and complexity.