In 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding—a milestone that calls not only for reflection on the nation’s history but also on the local governments that have shaped it from the ground up.

GFOA is proud to join the Local Gov 250 initiative alongside partners at the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and many others. Through storytelling, recognition, and innovation, this initiative will highlight how cities, counties, regional councils, and tribal governments have shaped – and continue to shape – American democracy from the ground up.

We're also excited to put a spotlight on finance. At the heart of local democracy is public finance. From building schools, roads, and water systems to navigating economic downturns and funding public safety, public finance professionals have guided some of the most important decisions in our communities. Their leadership has helped turn visions into budgets and budgets into lasting impact.

As part of Local Gov 250, GFOA will spotlight the people, policies, and historic moments that have made a difference in communities across the country. From balancing budgets during crisis to funding generational infrastructure, we’ll celebrate the individuals and moments that define the public finance profession.