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Government Finance Professionals Week
 
Sponsored by California Society of Municipal Finance Officers

March 23 - 27, 2026
Elected Officials and Executive Leaders,  
 
Government Finance Professionals Week, observed during the last week of March, provides public agencies across California with an opportunity to recognize the essential contributions of their finance teams. These professionals ensure the responsible stewardship of public funds, support transparency and accountability, navigate California’s uniquely complex fiscal environment, and help sustain high-quality public services for communities statewide. 
 
This toolkit (found at the bottom of this page) is designed to give local governments ready-to-use materials to promote, celebrate, and publicly acknowledge the government finance professionals who make informed policymaking and long-term financial stability possible. 
 
 
Purpose of the Toolkit:  This packet equips local agencies with 
  • A framework for recognizing government finance professionals. 
  • Tools to communicate the value and impact of public finance work. 
  • Templates for proclamations, agenda reports, talking points, and social media messaging. 
  • Ideas for staff recognition, community engagement, and professional development. 
  • Background on the distinctive challenges of California’s fiscal landscape. 
 
Why Recognition Matters:  Government Finance professionals work behind the scenes to 
  • Produce transparent and accessible budgets and financial reports.
  • Manage complex multi-fund budgets, cash flow, investments, grants, and debt. 
  • Support compliance with Proposition 13, Proposition 218/26, the Gann Limit, CalPERS requirements, and extensive state and federal regulations. 
  • Provide critical analysis that guides policymaking, labor negotiations, infrastructure planning, and long-term strategic financial decisions. 
 
Public recognition strengthens: 
  • Transparency and public trust 
  • Workplace morale and staff retention 
  • Understanding of the profession’s value 
  • Commitment to financial stewardship and good governance 
 
How to Use This Toolkit:  To support a successful Government Finance Professionals Week in your jurisdiction, agencies are encouraged to: 
 
1. Take Official Action 
  • Adopt the provided proclamation recognizing Government Finance Professionals Week. 
  • Include the agenda report and present recognition during a Council or Board meeting. 
 
2. Communicate with Staff and the Community 
  • Use the talking points for elected officials and executive leadership. 
  • Share social media posts to highlight your finance team.
  • Deliver the staff appreciation message from the City Manager or General Manager. 
 
3. Celebrate and Recognize Your Team 
  • Host appreciation activities or acknowledgments. 
  • Use recognition ideas included in the packet. 
  • Promote training and professional development opportunities. 
 
Supporting a Stronger Public Finance Profession 
 
Government Finance Professionals Week reinforces CSMFO’s mission to support excellence in local government finance, promote ethical stewardship, and prepare the next generation of public finance leaders. By participating, your agency highlights its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the critical importance of professional financial management. 

 

Toolkit

Item Name Posted By Date Posted
TOOLKIT_OVERVIEW_2026 DOCX (95.74 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
TALKING_POINTS DOCX (95.9 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
STAFF_RECOGNITION DOCX (95.29 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
SOCIAL_MEDIA_SUGGESTIONS DOCX (96.04 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
SOCIAL_MEDIA_GRAPHICS_2026 ZIP (2.03 MB) Administration 2 hours ago
SAMPLE_PROCLAMATION DOCX (91.9 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
SAMPLE_BOARD_REPORT DOCX (96.49 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
RECOGNITION_IDEAS_2026 DOCX (102.39 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
PROMO_FLYER_2026 PDF (4.42 MB) Administration 1 hour ago
HIGHLIGHTING_THE_VALUE DOCX (105.91 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
DETAILED_FLYER_2026 DOCX (98.32 KB) Administration 2 hours ago
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CSMFO promotes excellence in financial management through innovation, continuing education and the professional development of our members. CSMFO members are deeply involved in the key issues facing cities, counties, and special districts in the State of California. We value honesty and integrity, and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

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