The City of Norfolk was recently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

• a policy document

• a financial plan

• an operations guide

• a communications device

In addition to receiving the award, the City's budget received two special recognitions for its 'Strategic Goals & Strategies' and 'Capital Program.' Special recognition is given when all three reviewers give the highest possible score in particular categories.

“Year in and year out, the City of Norfolk’s fiscal staff is recognized for its exemplary work. We are proud that fiscal staff earned yet another high distinction for its careful, thorough, and transparent approach to budgeting, accounting, auditing, and public finance,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.