GFOA of the US & Canada

Police services are one of the largest local government expenditures, driven primarily by staffing costs, yet many agencies still lack evidence-based guidance for determining appropriate workforce levels in a rapidly changing environment. Explore how workload-based staffing studies can provide a data-informed foundation for aligning service demands, efficiency, and available resources to support better financial and budget decisions. Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/materials/gfr0426-police.

More attendees will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development thanks to an expanded lineup. We're now offering four leadership workshops at this year's conference. Session topics include public speaking, political acumen, conflict management, and persuasive communication.

Designed to be highly interactive, these workshops combine hands-on exercises, discussion, and practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their roles.

Workshop participation is limited, and attendees will be selected through a lottery process. Complete your workshop entry form by June 18 to be considered. You can pre-register through the official conference app or find more details at https://www.gfoa.org/2026-leadership-workshops.

The official app for GFOA's 120th Annual Conference is here! Start planning your conference experience by exploring the full schedule, saving sessions to your personalized agenda, browsing speakers and exhibitors, and more.

Want to attend one or more of our popular on-site leadership workshops? Pre-registration is now open through the app. Submit your selections by June 18 to be entered into the workshop lottery.

Apple Download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gfoa-annual-conference/id1374319630
Android Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cadmiumcd.GFOA2018

Invest in your professional growth this fall. Join us virtually, September 28–October 2, for a week of essential insights across all areas of public finance. Featuring nine sessions and up to 18 CPE credits, this program delivers practical strategies, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises to help you strengthen financial management and benchmark your practices against peers.

Explore key best practice topics including accounting, budgeting, debt management, treasury and investments, capital planning, procurement, risk assessment, and leadership—all while connecting with professionals and gaining new perspectives you can bring back to your organization. Register today at https://www.gfoa.org/best-practices-forum.

Are governments ready for the new fiscal realities of extreme events? As these events grow more frequent and disruptive, governments are being pushed to rethink how they plan, save, and respond. The lessons emerging from recent experiences highlight how stronger fiscal reserves, coordinated funding strategies, and a focus on equity can help governments not just recover from shocks, but build long-term resilience in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Read more at https://www.gfoa.org/materials/gfr0426-prepared

Join us in congratulating the following members who completed their certification journeys in May and are now Certified Public Finance Officers:

• KateLynn Harrigan, Ehlers, Wisconsin
• Craig Marshman, City of Bondurant, Iowa
• Christina Rickert, North Central Technical College District, Wisconsin
• Jason Rizner, Jones County, Georgia
• Krista Watt, Township of Moon, Pennsylvania
• Corey White, Franklin County, Virginia
• Bridgett Wood, City of Waterloo, Iowa

Interested in starting your own CPFO journey? Visit https://www.gfoa.org/cpfo to learn more.

Leadership opportunity reminder: Applications for our Chicago Leadership Academy, August 23–28, are now due in just a few weeks on June 26. Spots are limited, and we encourage you to apply soon.

This immersive experience is a chance to step away from day-to-day demands and technical training to focus on leadership development in the public sector.

Participants will gain:

💡Stronger skills to elevate leadership effectiveness
💡Fresh ideas to improve organizational and community outcomes
💡Greater readiness to lead teams, shape vision, and engage stakeholders
💡Tools to navigate difficult conversations and complex initiatives
💡Valuable connections with speakers and peers from across the profession

Take the next step in your leadership journey and apply by June 26: Apply now at https://www.gfoa.org/leadership-academy-chicago

Today we hit 35,000 members. In our 120th year, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone together with the public finance professionals who strengthen the profession and help build thriving communities every day.

Thank you to every member who has helped GFOA grow to 35,000 strong. Your work continues to make a lasting impact in communities across the United States and Canada.

Not a member yet? We’d love to welcome you. Join today at gfoa.org/join.

Congratulations to Ashlea Houston, who will receive $10,000 through our Betty Jo Harker Professional Development Scholarship. Ashlea is a management analyst in the City Manager’s Office for the City of Del Mar, California. She earned a bachelor of arts in business management and humanities and is currently pursuing a master of public administration at California State University. Learn more about Ashlea's journey in local government at https://www.gfoa.org/scholarship-spotlight-ashlea-houston.

There’s just one month to go until the start of our 120th Annual Conference. That means there are only 31 days until thousands of public finance professionals gather in Chicago.

Just 744 hours until sessions begin.

Only 44,640 minutes until connections, collaboration, and catching up with colleagues.

And just 2,678,400 seconds until inspiring keynotes, fresh ideas, and everything waiting for you in Chicago.

But who’s counting? See you at !