Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Research Rewind: Our work on Rethinking Financial Reporting continues, but do you know why? This report highlights our vision for updating financial reporting. It critiques the current approach for not meeting the needs of its audiences, highlighting issues such as complexity and the time required to prepare the reports. The report also discusses the opportunity costs of financial reporting and outlines strategies to make financial reports more user-friendly, streamlined, and better aligned with users' needs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eh9Ae_s8 #GFOA #localgov #publicfinance #innovation

As local governments explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the opportunities for efficiency and innovation come with new risks. From data privacy and cybersecurity to bias, accountability, and legal compliance, leaders must navigate complex challenges to ensure AI adoption is both effective and ethical. This webinar, January 21, will focus on practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with AI in the public sector. Learn more and register at: https://lnkd.in/eQmvmtbD #GFOA #localgov #AI #artificialintelligence #technology

We’re excited to kick off GFOA's 7th Annual MiniMuni Conference, October 21, with Congressman Rudy Yakym III, who represents Indiana’s Second Congressional District and serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, where he served a key role crafting the tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Congressman Yakym is Co-Chair of the House Municipal Finance Caucus and will share his insights on the importance of municipal bonds and advocacy to preserve their tax-exempt status. Still need to register for this virtual event? Visit https://lnkd.in/ebFy8U52 for full details. #GFOA #localgov #muniland #publicfinance

Thinking about your #professionaldevelopment goals for 2026? Join GFOA in Charleston, South Carolina, this February for a lineup of in-depth courses, including our popular Budget and Advanced Budget Academies, along with focused sessions on ERP readiness, grants management, intermediate governmental accounting, and more. Explore all course details and registration information at https://lnkd.in/eCeaQTrz. #GFOA #localgov #innovation #publicfinance

Let's celebrate another CPFO! For Kat Roch, budget controller for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, pursuing the Certified Public Finance Officer designation was an opportunity to deepen her expertise and advance her career in government finance. Through her certification journey, she explored areas beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, like procurement and compensation and benefits, while strengthening her understanding of budgeting and accounting. The experience also introduced her to new strategies and best practices for addressing common challenges in government finance. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/euViAnUs #GFOA #localgov #leadership #certification #professionaldevelopment

Strong leaders build strong communities. GFOA’s Leadership Academy equips senior public finance professionals with the skills, confidence, and connections to lead in today’s complex world. Join us March 22–27, 2026, at Arizona State University in Phoenix for a week of interactive sessions, self-assessments, case studies, and leadership discussions designed to enhance both personal and organizational growth. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/ezau7sfG. #GFOA #localgov #leadership #innovation

The latest issue of the Public Finance Journal is now available. This biannual publication features peer-reviewed research that examines contemporary issues in public budgeting and finance and explores the applicability of practical solutions. The latest issue includes research on:   • Local government revenue forecasting • Priority-based budgeting • Sales tax revenue forecasting • Bond ratings   It also features three book reviews on tax theory, public pension plans, and the National Audit Office. Authored by leading academics nationwide, all articles are fully open access and can be shared freely. Access the latest issue at https://lnkd.in/ex2HcHH6. #GFOA #localgov #publicfinance #innovation

Today, we're celebrating Cory Kampf for his outstanding public service. As chief financial officer for Anoka County, Minnesota, for more than a decade, Cory is known for doing the right thing and putting others first. His background includes roles in several municipalities and the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor, along with ongoing academic work as a government and nonprofit accounting professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a longtime contributor to GFOA and state-level associations, including MNGFOA, MACO, and MACATFO. Cory also developed the Minnesota GFOA’s mentorship program and continues to invest in building the next generation of public finance leaders. Congratulations!

Research Rewind: Property taxes remain the most important local revenue source. They are stable, transparent, and tied to an immovable tax base. Yet despite these strengths, it’s one of the most unpopular taxes. GFOA’s Rethinking Property Taxes report explores how local governments can rebuild trust and strengthen this vital system through two key strategies: ensuring accurate and fair valuations, and providing taxpayers with stable, predictable costs. Discover how these reforms can make property taxation work better for everyone at https://lnkd.in/ehTX2Z9F. #GFOA #localgov #propertytaxes #revenue #publicfinance