In November 2023, GFOA announced it was seeking proposals for the GovFi Prize, which offers resources to support, recognize, and reward academic writing in public finance. GFOA sought to answer four key public finance questions, and is awarding $500 contracts based on initial proposals for each.

These start-up awards will help support the development of full articles to be submitted to the Public Finance Journal. Once the articles are accepted by PFJ, the awardees will be eligible for the larger award, will be published in PFJ, and will present in a webinar or at the next GFOA annual conference.

Question 1: Is the 80-20 Rule Operative for Financial Analysts’ Use of Financial Reports?

• Audrey Danket, Debt Analyst, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Question 2: What is the Cost of Compliance with GAAP Accounting and Reporting Standards?

• Judith Hermis, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Saint Mary's College of California

Question 3: What Does the Public Really Want to Know about Public Finance? 

• Ahkeil Singla, Associate Professor, Arizona State University School of Public Affairs
• Kip Murray, Senior Economic Analyst, City of Bellevue, Washington

Question 4: Do Financial Reports Impact Policy Making?

• Robert Bell, Senior Staff Accountant, U.S. Department of Treasury
• Trung Le, Senior Financial Analyst, Washington County, Minnesota
• Carolyn Abbott, Assistant Professor, Baruch College-CUNY