120th Annual Conference Sessions
120th Annual Conference Sessions
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Sessions for Sunday, June 28
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Sun
28 Jun
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CT
Arie Crown Theater
Opening General Session
Evan Osnos is a National Book Award-winning author and staff writer at The New Yorker, a host of its flagship podcast, The Political Scene, and a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Osnos provides assessments on the biggest stories of the day including global affairs, polarization of civic institutions, and implications of the AI revolution. He has authored four best-selling books including Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury; Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China; and The Haves and Have-Yachts. Beginning his career at the Chicago Tribune, he shared the Pulitzer Prize in 2001 and 2008.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E354B
Building Upon a Strong Foundation: A Framework for Budget Process and Culture Change
Not only can a transformed budget process improve budget decisions, but it can also be used to set the tone for much larger organizational culture change. The budget process provides a great opportunity to demonstrate proactive strategic leadership, collaboration, fairness, transparency, and accountability. In this session, speakers will discuss how to develop a budget function that establishes a vision for budgeting and prioritizes trust, communication, and collective decision-making. This approach guides participants to set clear expectations, treat stakeholders fairly, and foster shared ownership and alignment.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E350
From Big Data to Better Decisions: Ensuring Data Quality Amid AI Disruption
Governments today operate in an environment where big data has become a strategic asset, shaping decisions, services, and long-term planning across the public sector. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI)—where algorithms, automated systems, and data-driven tools can amplify both insights and risks—the need for strong data hygiene is more critical than ever.
1 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E450
I Want You to Have it All: Avoiding Common Deficiencies in Financial Reporting
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) award recipients adhere to high professional standards that enhance accountability, transparency, and uniformity of financial reporting. All government participating in the program need to be rewarded for their accomplishments and public service. However, all reports are also not perfect and GFOA's COA program exists to provide education and work collaboratively to drive improvement.
1 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E451
Lucky to Lead Together: Influence and Transformation with the Women’s Public Finance Network
GFOA's Women's Public Finance Network (WPFN) fosters the careers of women in public finance through education and networking opportunities. Guided by the 2026–2027 theme, “Shift, Evolve, Transform,” this session will explore how women at all stages of their careers can adapt to change, strengthen their leadership presence, expand their influence, and drive meaningful transformation within their organizations and communities.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E353
The Total Package: Designing Better Customer Experiences and Simplified Backend Processes
When designing payment processes, governments don't always think about the customer experience, and as a result, paying a bill, or multiple bills, from a government can feel like running the gauntlet. Change is hard, especially in government, so designing and implementing new and improved processes takes a concerted effort. This session will share examples of governments that have modernized how customers pay for core city services, moving from fragmented, department‑specific billing and payment tools to a coherent, resident‑centered payment experience. Learn how you can deliver the total package of policy change, process improvement, and technology upgrades by utilizing thoughtful community engagement and creative marketing practices.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E271
The World as I See It: Disclosure Best Practices for Municipal Issuers
Continuing disclosure is a critical responsibility for municipal issuers, ensuring transparency and maintaining investor confidence in the municipal market. This session will provide an in-depth overview of continuing disclosure requirements under SEC rules, explore best practices for meeting these obligations, and highlight the role of technology in streamlining disclosure processes.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM CT
E253
Update on Federal Programs to Support Affordable Housing
If anything brought strong support from Congress in the 119th, it was the need to address housing affordability across the country. HR1 not only expanded the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, but also extended the Opportunity Zones (OZ) program, which encourages long-term investment in economically distressed areas, including rural communities.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E354B
Deep Dish Discussions on Capitalization Thresholds
Capitalization thresholds are a "tangible" application of materiality in government financial statements. Governments have discretion on setting this threshold, and it's not a one-size-fits-all decision. Speakers will discuss various factors considered when setting thresholds, the impact of capitalization thresholds on different major classes of capital assets, coordination of thresholds with capitalization requirements when using federal funds, and necessary changes to asset management records. This session will also address how to educate internal stakeholders, communicate with governing bodies, and navigate decisions about thresholds with independent auditors.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E253
It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done: Voting Yes for a Tax Increase
Public hostility towards increasing prices is a powerful force that has dominated elections, news cycles, and everyday conversations recently. However, at the same time, some governments have also been successful in getting public support for tax increases.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E353
Make No Small Plans: Addressing Big Challenges in Your Community
Governments are responsible for not only delivering basic services like garbage pick-up and street maintenance to their residents, but also for addressing problems that negatively impact the quality of life in their communities. Challenges such as high unemployment, homelessness, and affordability often feel too large for a government to tackle alone, yet many have managed to do so successfully.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E271
Risk Management: It's a "We" Thing!
Getting employees excited about and interested in enterprise risk management is no easy task, but successful programs require all employees to actively participate in identifying and mitigating risk. In this session, speakers will discuss strategies for improving awareness of common risks, increasing employee engagement, and developing policies and procedures that work to reduce exposure and lower costs.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E350
Rules of the Game: Working with Regulated Entities for Debt Management
Debt issuing organizations often rely heavily on outside professionals—municipal advisors, bond counsel, underwriters, and others—to navigate the complexities of planning and issuing debt. This session will walk issuers through the federal protections designed to support issuers, including fair dealing duties, obligations to avoid conflicts of interest, the municipal advisor’s federally-mandated duty of care and duty of loyalty, and counsel’s professional obligations.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E451
Strings Definitely Attached: Navigating Federal Procurement Requirements
While federal grant programs provide opportunity to fund projects, purchase equipment and infrastructure, and deliver a boost to results for your local community, they come with many strings attached that can create compliance headaches for finance and procurement professionals. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ensure your government follows all relevant regulations. This session will feature procurement professionals with experience navigating 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D and other federal regulations from different federal agencies.
1 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Sun
28 Jun
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E450
Values-Based Decision-Making
Managing a government's finances should be about more than making sure the bills are paid on time and that revenues are greater than expenditures. Ultimately, the purpose of public finance is to ensure that governments are providing services and programs that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community.
1 CPE credits
Level: update
More info
Sessions for Monday, June 29
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Mon
29 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E350
Bond Sale Three-Peat: Part 1 – Preparing for the Sale
Issuing municipal bonds is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination. This session will guide municipal issuers through the essential steps to prepare for a successful bond sale—from identifying capital needs and selecting the right financing approach to assembling your support team and meeting statutory and legal requirements.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E353
Questions and Answers: Understanding GFOA's New Budget Award Criteria
Trends in budgeting and technological advances have significantly changed the way that leading governments communicate budget information to stakeholders. Websites, dashboards, newsletters, videos, and other popular media can be more effective than a lengthy PDF document for communicating key messages. Based on research, member feedback, and recommendations from subject matter experts, GFOA is excited to update the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E450
The Benefits of Rethinking Materiality for Small Governments
Are governments too cautious in their approach to defining materiality for financial reporting? Does this contribute to longer reports, less timely production of information, and increased complexity and cost? Finance professionals must make a difficult choice in weighing decision-useful information versus exhaustive precision. In this session, speakers will discuss how to evaluate risk, understand expectations from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and how financial professionals can make appropriate and more systemic decisions on materiality.
1 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E354B
Accounting and Financial Reporting, Budgeting and Forecasting, Capital Planning and Asset Management
Ask Me Anything: Core Concepts in the Finance Office
Join a panel of subject-matter experts who will answer the questions you want to know more about—but have been afraid to ask. This session is for anyone looking to gain practical perspectives and a deeper understanding of the basics of government accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and capital planning.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E271
One Step at a Time: Getting Results with Incremental Process Improvement
Governments often face resource constraints, compliance requirements, and pressure to deliver better services—making large-scale transformation daunting. This session explores how incremental process improvement can drive meaningful change without overwhelming staff or budgets.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E451
Procurement Policy Modernism: Updating the ABA Model Procurement Code
The values of public procurement–ethics, competition, transparency, and accountability–are clear. However, compliance with the detailed multi-layered framework of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations can be difficult for all stakeholders to understand and follow. Procurement policies serve a critical role in clarifying expectations, defining legal authority, establishing thresholds, ensuring public access, and protecting against corruption.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E253
Talent Pipeline: A Guide to Developing an Effective Internship Program
Governments keep hearing they need to “build a talent pipeline,” but many struggle with how to do so. Implementing a robust internship program is one option that has worked well for some local governments. This session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at designing internship programs and implementing practices that keep them working year after year.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
Arie Crown Theater
Accounting and Auditing Year in Review
An annual conference favorite, the Accounting and Auditing Year in Review provides conference attendees with an overview of changing standards and previews upcoming projects. During this session, speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of the key developments in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting that affect state and local governments.
2 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E450
Cyber Risk Savvy: GFOA's 2026 Cybersecurity Update
A cyberattack has the potential to shut down your organization's operations and inhibit its ability to deliver critical services to the community. In addition, the cost of recovering from an attack can escalate quickly to millions of dollars. While governments will never completely eradicate this risk, there are effective practices and strategies that you can put in place to minimize your organization's risk.
2 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E253
From Combative to Collaborative: A Better Approach to Police Staffing Conversations
Conversations between budget professionals and police chiefs about staffing sometimes devolve into combative exchanges. Staff in the budget office say, "I need you to reduce your budget," and the police chief says, "If I do that, crime will go through the roof!" An alternative to these types of conversations is to develop a data-driven approach that aligns police staffing with workload, desired outcomes, and fiscal context.
2 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E354B
Strengthen Your Budget Bedrock with Long-Term Planning
Numerous governments struggle with connecting long-term planning to their budget. In order to earn the public's trust and demonstrate responsible stewardship of scarce tax dollars, governments need to show how the current budget both gets results over the next fiscal year and its impact on the long-term financial health of the organization. Building your budget on the bedrock of strong planning processes is the first step toward doing so. At this session, speakers will discuss their approach to long-term, operational, and strategic planning, how their organizations align the budget with these plans, and how this alignment enables more effective communication with the public and governing body.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E451
The Famous Funding and Financing Mix: Strategies for Infrastructure Projects
Getting the most from your infrastructure program means making smart investments at the right time to stretch each dollar. It also means navigating the complex set of rules related to eligibility, timing, matching, approvals, and reporting needs necessary to determine the best mix of funding and financing sources. In this session, speakers will discuss strategies for using grants, bonds, state and federal programs, interfund borrowing, and local revenue together to maximize available funds and build more infrastructure.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E350
Turbulence Ahead: Navigating Current Challenges through Long-Term Planning for Schools
Whether or not your school district is facing the much talked about "fiscal cliff," various factors are combining to make budgeting for education more difficult than in recent memory. Many communities will face tough decisions related to budgeting for teacher pay, facility improvements, technology purchases, curriculum upgrades, and more while also dealing with increasing stress from revenue uncertainty, political polarization, and inflation.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E353
When the Magic Runs Out: Building Credibility to Advise on Difficult Decisions
Doing more with less is not sustainable. At some point, all finance professionals realize they cannot always “find the money,” and in many cases, attempting such magic undermines trust. When finance professionals serve as leaders, they develop strong relationships with the executive team and elected officials—working together to make difficult decisions and commit to execution.
2 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E271
You Get a P-Card, and You Get a P-Card, and Everyone Gets a P-Card
Religion, politics, family drama, and purchasing card (P-card) policies are the four topics we can all agree should not be discussed at the dinner table. Within the world of public finance and procurement, P-cards tend to elicit strong emotions. Are P-cards an efficient tool for streamlining processes, empowering managers, and modernizing payment options that should be used as much as possible by departments and their staff? Or do P-cards invite fraud, reckless spending, lack of compliance, and reconciliation nightmares?
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
12:10 PM - 1:20 PM CT
Hall D2
Delegate Lunch
Take a break and enjoy lunch with your fellow attendees. Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or striking up new conversations, it's the perfect moment to connect with colleagues from across the public finance community.
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
1:40 PM - 2:50 PM CT
Arie Crown Theater
General Session
Daniel Coyle is the award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of several books on leadership and performance, including The Talent Code; The Little Book of Talent; and The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups. His most recent book, Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment, is a science-based, practical blueprint for cultivating a life—at work and at home—full of belonging, joy, and vitality. Coyle has written for Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine, and Play, and appeared as a guest on Today, Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight, Nightline, ESPN, and CNN among others. He has also served as an advisor to military special forces, professional sports teams, schools, and other organizations, and as a consulting producer to ESPN documentary films.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E350
Better With You. The Need for Alignment with IT Purchases
With the expansion of cloud software and the buzz surrounding AI capabilities, it has become easier than every for individual departments to commit to software without coordinating with peers in information technology (IT), budget, or procurement. Even at the GFOA conference, some of you might discover the latest "must have" product from the exhibit floor.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E451
Measure Thrice, Explain Once: Reporting on Performance of Investment Portfolios
Measuring government investment portfolio performance is essential for accountability and transparency, strategic decision-making, and achieving governmental goals. However, government investing follows different principles than traditional investing. Safety and liquidity are the hallmarks of public investing, followed by return, and governments should incorporate these concepts in how they measure the performance of their investment portfolio.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E253
Rethinking the Finance Office with Shared Services
As finance professionals think about how to best provide services in the future, more and more are rethinking how the finance office is organized and considering creative options for resourcing major functions. This session will discuss alternatives to traditional full-time employee staffing models, including: workers shared between two or more governments; governments performing services for another as part of a shared-services model; and governments that fully outsource traditional finance functions to the private sector. Speakers will highlight advantages and disadvantages of each approach and discuss considerations for building an effective team that features onsite employees, remote workers, contractors, and more.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E354B
Rising from the Ashes: FDTA and Voluntary Digital Financial Reporting
While we await the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) final rule around the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), the likelihood of a standardized digital financial reporting framework for government financial information increases. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has been working with a consultative group of stakeholders to develop a digital taxonomy for GAAP financial statements.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E450
Strengthening Investor Relations: Effective Engagement with Municipal Investors
A strong investor relations (IR) program is becoming an essential component of transparent governance, effective market communication, and achieving favorable borrowing outcomes. This session will guide municipal issuers through the key elements of building and maintaining an IR program.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E271
The LGBTQIA+ Community in Public Service
From Harvey Milk to Barbara Jordan, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have a strong tradition of public service—and not just in elected offices. In this session, attendees will hear from LGBTQIA+ people working in different levels of local government—from elected officials to managers to frontline staff—on how they support their communities and how their identities shape their perspectives on service.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM CT
E353
Why I'm a Finance Officer
There is no single roadmap to becoming a finance officer. Across GFOA’s 30,000+ members, professionals arrive at public finance through a wide range of roles, disciplines, and experiences. What unites them is a shared responsibility to maintain public trust, support their communities, and help build resilient organizations in an environment shaped by workforce constraints, heightened scrutiny, and growing complexity in local government.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E450
A Penny for Your Thoughts
In 2025, the United States federal government stopped producing new pennies. Anticipating a penny crunch, some retailers are moving away from using "cents" in financial transactions by rounding cash transactions up or down to the nearest nickel, but depending on state and local laws, governments may not be able to round tax and fee transactions.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E354B
Accounting Clues: Unraveling the Mysteries of Debt Issuances with the Sources and Uses Schedule
Once the wires have cleared after a bond issuance, governments must ensure that all transactions have been reported in the financial statements. For some, these complex issuances can include accounting for multi-series issuance, refunding, investments, and trust accounts. While complex is not bad, it still can create headaches for accountants as they determine the project fund deposit, various issuance costs, and the deferred charge on refunding.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E271
Don't Worry Your Life Away: Developing and Maintaining Appropriate Reserve Levels
How much is enough? For many governments, benchmarks to determine the appropriate level of reserves are available, but it can be difficult to know if your reserves are enough to cover the needs and potential risks of your community. However, finance professionals can build confidence in their decision by analyzing their current situation, understanding their expected risk profile, and setting policies to guide actions in the future.
1 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E350
Family Matters: What Recent Federal Changes to Social Safety Net Programs Means for You
The most recent federal tax bill proposes significant changes in the administration of key social programs, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes will impact governments that administer these programs and as well as the beneficiaries enrolled in them.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E253
From Avoidance to Aligned: Building Better Procurement Relationships
From a back-office function known for paper-heavy processes, complex and changing requirements, lengthy delays, and confusion, procurement departments in organizations of all sizes can transform into strategic partners. By focusing on customer service, efficiency, and results, they can follow the lead of speakers in this session by building relationships, listening to and understanding the needs of all stakeholders, and reducing complexity.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E353
Money, Myths, and Misinformation: Making Government Finance Make Sense
In an era of misinformation, skepticism toward institutions, and “AI-generated everything,” public trust in government has never been more fragile—or more essential. As communities face growing fiscal pressures and the need to pass critical levies, local governments must find new ways to engage residents and explain how public finance truly works.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Mon
29 Jun
4:45 PM - 5:35 PM CT
E451
The Three Cs of Leading in a Polarized World: Conviction, Commitment, and Connection
Polarization is a key feature of today’s political landscape, even at the local level. It can limit government leaders from reaching their full potential, and, worse, it reduces everyone's ability to serve the community and solve problems. When faced with challenges like this, leaders must strive to respond in a deliberate, collaborative, and mature manner, and avoid emotional arguments that create winners and losers, weaken trust, and damage relationships.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info
Sessions for Tuesday, June 30
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Tue
30 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E354B
All Eyes on Revenue Recognition
Check the agenda—changes are coming for revenue recognition. Forget about exchange versus nonexchange! Soon, it may be all about performance obligations. This is expected to affect revenue recognition for property taxes, grants, and much more. It's time to start paying attention as GASB prepares to issue an exposure draft on revenue recognition guidance in early 2027.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E450
Cyber Crime and Public Finance
Fraud and cyber-enabled crimes are advancing quickly, exposing new vulnerabilities in local government treasury operations. Sophisticated schemes—from compromised email systems to payment diversion—are outpacing traditional controls, making stronger defenses essential. GFOA’s Cyber Risk Savvy report highlights the accelerating threat environment and offers strategies every government should adopt.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E253
Know Thyself: Critically Examining Your Budget
For individuals, self-skepticism is about critically examining beliefs, methods, and assumptions, and being open to change. Individuals benefit from introspective questioning, and so can a government's budget—spending that no longer serves the community should be examined and replaced with better options. As GFOA's Rethinking Budgeting initiative points out, traditional budgeting tends to be less reflective. Incremental budgeting is guided by historical precedent, taking last year’s spending largely as a given. Governments cannot go to the other extreme, where everything is questioned constantly; this would quickly lead to burnout and acrimony among staff. This session will outline how finance professionals can apply different dimensions of self-skepticism to ensure limited resources are allocated in ways that best serve the community.
2 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E353
Bots Behind the Books: Robotic Process Automation Use Cases for Government
Robotic process automation (RPA) is not new, but many finance professionals are still not sure what it really looks like in day-to-day work. Governments continue to rely on staff to enter invoices, move data between systems, reconcile accounts, and prepare routine reports, even when those tasks follow the same steps every time. The result is busy teams, long cycle times, and limited capacity for analysis and service improvements.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E271
Pick Me, Pick Me: Developing Selection Criteria for Your Capital Plan
A decision-making process to determine how to use scarce capital funding that is dominated by emotion, politics, and back-room deals will almost certainly fail to deliver results. Finance professionals play an important role as decision architects to both define and facilitate an efficient, transparent, and effective evaluation process for the capital plan.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E451
Remember Me? Getting Familiar Again with Arbitrage Strategies for Tax-Exempt Bonds
As short-term reinvestment rates have risen since 2021, issuers of tax-exempt bonds are experiencing positive arbitrage at levels not seen in over a decade. Managing compliance remains complex, especially as the potential for positive arbitrage persists, and presents both opportunities and challenges for issuers of tax-exempt bonds.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E350
Smart Shopping: How to Acquire the Banking and Treasury Services You Need
Knowing specifically what banking and treasury services you need to meet your government's goals now and in the future is essential before releasing a request for proposal (RFP). If you are considering traditional banking services or new financial technologies, fraud prevention tools, or artificial intelligence or process automation tools, it is important to understand industry norms, risks, and peer insights.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E271
A Beautiful Mess: Simplifying Treasury Operations with Modern Policies, Process, and Technology
Whether managing payables and receivables, monitoring cash flows, or overseeing investing or debt, treasury functions are on the front lines of many key government operations. However, a number of governments utilize multiple piecemeal systems that rely on complex interfaces, manual validation, redundant data entry, and third-party consultants to operate. This session will provide an overview of how treasury policies and procedures, along with new technologies, systems, and practices, can greatly aid in these operations and simplify the behind-the-scenes network that drives these essential activities.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E350
Bond Sale Three-Peat: Part 2 – Executing the Bond Sale
For small- and medium-sized municipal issuers, executing a bond sale can feel complex—especially when entering the market infrequently. This session provides a practical overview of the activities leading up to a competitive bond sale, including finalizing the Preliminary Official Statement (POS), publishing the Notice of Sale, structuring the sale, and ensuring the financing team is aligned for sale day.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E450
Look for the Good: Communicating the Costs and Benefits of Government Services
Traditional government budgeting and accounting has focused on departments, cost centers, and expenditure objects that help describe how much the government is spending. This approach makes it easier to manage costs internally, but it does little to show all the good work the organization is doing to add value in the community.
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E253
Practice Makes Perfect: Navigating Complex Issues in Procurement Ethics
Avoid conflicts of interest. Seek no personal gain. Minimize the impact of lobbying. Recognize and reduce potential bias. Most government professionals know the right thing to do. However, knowing what is right is much easier than doing what is right. Everyday scenarios in procurement cause finance and procurement professionals to confront difficult ethical scenarios. When you are faced with the challenge, will you have the confidence to take a stand?
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E353
Steering Your Artificial Intelligence Strategy through a World of Unlimited Potential and Unreliable Hype
Hype is everywhere with artificial intelligence (AI) and organizations are being told that AI is the future and they must adapt or be left behind. However, buying into inflated expectations also makes it extremely difficult to gain traction and begin to achieve actual return on AI investments. While AI provides practically unlimited potential for productivity improvements, it also brings risk, and a level of organizational disruption that may not be desired in all cases.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
s401
Trending Topics in Rate-Setting with the Utility Finance Forum
Setting utility rates is a complex process. Utility operators are challenged to ensure their rates cover costs, including for much-needed capital investments while also maintaining affordability for their customers. Utilities also need to ensure they are accurately predicting future revenue based on evolving customer demands.
1 CPE credits
Level: overview
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E354B
Unpacking GASB 103
Post-conference work for all governments will include the implementation of GASB 103. For everyone, changes to the Management's Discussion and Analysis are required, and for many, significant changes for proprietary fund statement of resource flows will be required.
2 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
12:15 PM - 1:25 PM CT
Hall D2
Delegate Lunch
Take a break and enjoy lunch with your fellow attendees. Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or striking up new conversations, it's the perfect moment to connect with colleagues from across the public finance community.
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Tue
30 Jun
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM CT
Arie Crown Theater
General Session and Annual Business Meeting
During the Annual Business Meeting, GFOA's active members will select new members of the Executive Board and vote on policy statements that have been prepared by the standing committees and recommended for approval by GFOA's Executive Board.
1 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E271
Be Honest. Do You Really Have Position Control?
Most finance, budget, and human resource professionals will agree that position control is critical to manage personnel costs, structure sound business processes, and implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. At the same time, it remains one of the most overlooked functions.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
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Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E350
Big Dollars, Big Decisions: Using Decision Architecture to Guide the Work of the Evaluation Committee
Governments make critical decisions every day that impact operations, lives, communities, and the future of entire regions. Key decisions are made first about what outcomes to pursue and then how to best achieve them. Whether you are considering new economic development projects, large scale procurements, or policy shifts, each can involve a number of enticing options. Making the best decisions requires more than gut feel and an understanding of decision architecture.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E253
Correlation or Causation: Understanding the Relationship Between Transparency and Trust
Many people assume that being more transparent will generate more trust among key stakeholders. However, is that true? Our experience from outside of public finance often shows that a lack of trust is rarely ever solved by increased transparency. In fact, many times, this can lead to greater distrust and scrutiny.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E450
Cybersecurity in Municipal Bond Issuance: Protecting Transactions, Funds, and Public Trust
Cybersecurity has become one of the most urgent emerging risks for governments, including in the municipal bond market. All governments—especially small and medium sized issuers with limited IT capacity—are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cybercriminals who understand the mechanics of public finance transactions.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: advanced
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Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E353
Dealing with the Heat: Understanding the Hottest Topics in Investment
To uphold their fiduciary duty, finance and treasury professionals must understand the variables that could impact their investment portfolios and mitigate any potential negative impacts. In today's volatile and uncertain market, this is easier said than done.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E354B
Digging into Proposed Financial Reporting Standards for Infrastructure Assets
Infrastructure is discussed regularly both inside and outside the accounting office—the condition levels, capital maintenance budgeting, upkeep costs, and regulations. These infrastructure assets are often the highest-valued capital assets reported by a government, with useful lives spanning generations. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is seeking to improve information on these assets within annual financial reports and is moving quickly toward final guidance that provides a clear definition of infrastructure assets, expanded note disclosures and new required supplementary information schedules.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Tue
30 Jun
3:35 PM - 4:50 PM CT
E451
Washington, D.C., Update
Even amid gridlock, Washington, D.C. never really slows down. In 2026, state and local budgets, capital plans, and financial markets are being impacted by federal policy decisions in new ways, and GFOA's Federal Liaison Center (FLC) remains active in advocating to maintain state and local flexibilities, protect state and local revenues, and reduce unfunded mandates.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info
Sessions for Wednesday, July 1
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Wed
1 Jul
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E451
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail: Planning for Disasters
It's impossible to predict the severity, type, or timing, but every government will eventually face a disaster and must be ready to respond when it hits. How do you keep operations going? How do you adapt to keep the community safe? How do you recover once the disaster has passed? How do you pay for all of this?
2 CPE credits
Level: basic
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E354B
Talking Single Audits in the Second City
In 2026, all federal funds Single Audits will be conducted in accordance with the audit guidance in the 2024 Uniform Guidance (UG) update, and most governments will have been following that updated UG for all or most of their grants for the year under audit.
2 CPE credits
Level: update
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E353
The Ups and Downs of Outsourcing Payroll
Processing payroll is arguably one of the most important internal functions a government performs. Your people are your most valuable asset, and you need to make sure they are paid correctly and on time. At the same time, processing payroll is often one of the most frustrating tasks for finance staff. Hoping all employees submit their timesheets on time, ensuring pay codes are applied correctly, validating deductions for taxes and benefits, processing last minute personnel changes, and the ongoing complexity of collective bargaining and retro pays are enough to drive even the most serene payroll manager bonkers.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E271
Beyond 9 to 5: Alternative Solutions to Traditional Staffing Models
As workforce expectations evolve, governments are experimenting with innovative approaches to attract and retain talent while maintaining service quality. This session will bring together leaders from organizations that have piloted remote workers, contract employees, alternative schedules, meeting-free days, shared employees, and more.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E253
Magic 8 Ball, Will My Health Plan Costs Ever Level Off? Reply Hazy, Try Again
Government health plan costs have been increasing for several years for many organizations. Is there any relief in sight? In order to plan and budget effectively, governments need to understand how changes happening in the healthcare and health insurance industries could impact their own health insurance plans, but given the complexity, it sometimes feels like consulting a magic 8 ball would be better than trying to figure it all out.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
8:55 AM - 10:10 AM CT
E450
Money Talks: Hot Topics in Revenue
Before finalizing decisions about allocating and spending money to provide the services and programs a community needs, governments should have a plan for how they will pay for them. Typical revenue sources include property and sales taxes, user fees, and intergovernmental transfers, but for many governments, the revenue portfolio they have relied on for decades is in flux.
1.5 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E253
Ask Me Anything: Advanced Concepts In Public Finance
In this advanced version of Ask Me Anything, a panel of public finance professionals will provide candid, relatable responses to burning questions submitted by attendees in the areas of revenue, procurement, organizational culture and management, and ethics.
2 CPE credits
Level: advanced
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E271
Bond Sale Three-Peat: Part 3 – Post-Issuance Compliance
After the successful sale and closing of municipal bonds, issuers take on a long‑term set of responsibilities to ensure ongoing compliance with paying bondholders, federal tax rules, securities laws, and other requirements. This session provides municipal issuers—especially those with small and medium‑sized programs—with an overview of key post‑issuance compliance duties.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E354B
Get What You Pay For: Reporting Enterprise Funds and Stand-Alone Business-Type Activities
Governments charge for many different kinds of goods and services they offer, often with the intent of covering all—or at least a significant portion of—the costs of providing those services, or even to generate additional revenues to subsidize other services.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E451
The Revolution Is Here: Hot Topics in Procurement
The procurement profession is in the middle of a rapid transformation. Faced with stakeholder frustration, rapidly advancing technology (including artificial intelligence), increasing public pressure, and new approaches that are redefining beliefs around competition, policies and practices in procurement are changing.
2 CPE credits
Level: overview
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Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E450
This is Not the Way We've Always Done It: Finding a New Approach to Budget Communication
Effectively communicating budget information can be difficult. Government finance professionals must clearly articulate both financial and non-financial information to diverse stakeholders, each with their own level of fiscal literacy, biases, interests, and preferred style of communication. When finance professionals attempt to be everything to everyone, the budget message can easily become lengthy, confusing, and include irrelevant information. Rather than producing budgets simply because it has always been done, governments can identify better approaches.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info -
Wed
1 Jul
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM CT
E353
Timeless or Trendy: Debating the Staying Power of Common Budget Fads
For the past 50 years, governments have discovered the "perfect" solution to address budgeting challenges only to revert back to their prior approach a few years later. At GFOA, we have witnessed the rise and fall of zero-based budgeting, budgeting for outcomes, participatory budgeting, biennial budgeting, and more only to see the trend revived a few years later.
2 CPE credits
Level: intermediate
More info
