The Fiscal Forum Newsletter is your monthly roundup of FGFOA news, events, and resources. Published on the first Monday of each month at 2:00 PM, the newsletter offers regular updates and highlights that help you stay connected to what’s happening across the organization.
As we celebrate Labor Day, the FGFOA Board of Directors extends our sincere appreciation to the dedicated public servants who work every day to strengthen Florida’s communities. Your commitment to excellence, innovation, transparency, and stewardship of public resources helps ensure that local governments can effectively serve residents and meet the challenges of tomorrow.
On behalf of the Board, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and service.
2026-2027 FGFOA President, Kelly Strickland
As summer winds down and we prepare for another busy fiscal year-end on September 30, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of ongoing professional education in governmental accounting. Our work as public finance professionals continues to evolve, and staying current isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to serving our communities with excellence.
One of the most powerful tools we have is the FGFOA’s suite of educational opportunities. Over the past year, our FGFOA Boot Camps have provided hands-on, practical training for emerging professionals and seasoned staff looking to refresh core skills. These sessions continue to be a foundational part of how we strengthen the pipeline of knowledgeable governmental finance experts across Florida.
Our FGFOA webinars have also become a cornerstone of continuous learning. They offer accessible, timely content on the topics that matter most—from GASB updates to budgeting strategies—allowing members to stay informed without leaving their desks. The engagement and participation we’ve seen from our membership clearly show how committed you all are to professional growth.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the upcoming FGFOA School of Governmental Finance, which will expand our educational reach even further. This initiative reflects our commitment to developing a comprehensive and enduring learning environment for professionals at every stage in their careers. More information will be shared soon, and I encourage you to keep an eye out for announcements.
As we tackle year-end closeout activities and prepare our teams for audit season, let’s also recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Education strengthens our profession, elevates the quality of our work, and empowers us to face the challenges ahead with confidence.
Thank you for your dedication to FGFOA and to the communities you serve. As we move into this next fiscal year, let’s carry forward our 2027 theme:
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to prudent financial management and for playing a vital role in strengthening Florida’s communities. Your work is essential, and your professionalism shapes the future of public finance across the state.
Educate, Elevate and Empower
Please join us in welcoming our newest FGFOA members!! We are excited to have you as part of a statewide network of government finance professionals dedicated to excellence, innovation, and public service.
New Member Tip: The best way to get the most from your FGFOA membership is to get involved. Attend a local chapter meeting, volunteer for a committee, participate in educational programs, and connect with fellow members across the state. The relationships and experience you gain through FGFOA can be invaluable throughout your career.
Welcome to the FGFOA Family!!
Spotlight on Leadership
Elizabeth Walter, Budget & Grants Manager, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority
Elizabeth Walter, CGFO, has dedicated more than two decades to public service and government finance, including the last 21 years as Budget & Grants Manager for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail). She oversees the agency’s operating and capital budgets, administers the Transit Asset Management Program, and manages federal reporting requirements.
A longtime FGFOA member since 2007, Elizabeth has served the association in numerous leadership roles, including committee member, sub-chair, and Chair of the School of Governmental Finance (SOGF) Committee for the past four years. She credits FGFOA with providing valuable professional knowledge, networking opportunities, and lasting friendships that have enriched her career and professional journey.
Click Here to Learn More About Elizabeth
Get ready for a week of learning, professional growth, networking, and fun at the 2026 FGFOA School of Governmental Finance (SOGF)!
This year’s program brings together timely topics affecting government finance professionals today—from AI and cybersecurity to GASB updates, internal controls, career development, ERP implementation, and credit markets.
Educational Highlights
Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions including:
- Aligning Capital Budgets & Performance through AI & Integrated Strategies
- Cyber Risks & Resilience in 2026
- Internal Controls that Work!
- Staying Current: 2026 GASB Updates
- How to Advance Your Career to the Next Level
- ERP Implementation: One Year Later
- AI: Why Budgeting Still Needs a Human in the Loop
- Tales from the Credit Desk
Whether you’re looking to stay current on technical issues, explore how AI is changing government finance, or take the next step in your career, this year’s educational lineup offers something for professionals at every level.
🎉 After the Sessions, the Fun Continues!
Learning is only part of the SOGF experience. Each evening, the Hospitality Suite will give attendees an opportunity to unwind, network, reconnect with colleagues, and make new connections.
🏈 Monday – Monday Night Football & Game Trivia
Rep your team! Wear your favorite sports shirt or jersey and join us for football, trivia, and friendly competition.
🎲 Tuesday – Games & Networking Night
Get ready for Family Feud and Networking Bingo—a fun way to meet fellow attendees and test your game-night skills.
🎤 Wednesday – Blast from the Past Karaoke Night
Take a trip down memory lane! Sing your favorite throwback songs or simply cheer on your FGFOA friends.
🕵️ Thursday – The Great Budget Heist!
Put your investigative skills to the test during our mystery game. Can you help solve The Great Budget Heist?
From valuable educational sessions to memorable evenings with fellow government finance professionals, SOGF is about more than continuing education—it’s an opportunity to strengthen connections across the FGFOA community.
Pack your favorite team jersey, warm up those karaoke vocals, and get ready for a great week at the 2026 School of Governmental Finance! See You in Clearwater!
Final Call: Help Shape the 2027 FGFOA Annual Conference Program
Time is running out to submit your ideas for the 2027 FGFOA Annual Conference!
What topics are shaping the future of government finance? What challenges, innovations, best practices, or success stories would benefit your colleagues across Florida? The Conference Program Committee is making its final call for educational session topics and speaker recommendations.
Whether you have an idea for an emerging trend, practical solution, leadership discussion, technology innovation, or compelling case study, we want to hear from you. Your input plays an important role in creating a conference program that is timely, engaging, and valuable to finance professionals at every stage of their careers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the conversations, learning experiences, and professional development opportunities that will define the 2027 conference.
Submit your session topic and speaker suggestions through the Call for Session Topics link below today!
Your ideas can make a lasting impact on our profession. We look forward to hearing from you.
CLICK HERE to Submit a Topic
Investing in Local Chapter Leadership
Strong Local Chapters begin with strong leadership. To help set our Local Chapter Presidents up for success, FGFOA recently hosted a comprehensive Presidents Training that provided an overview of the resources, responsibilities, and support available throughout their term.
The training covered the essential role Local Chapter Presidents play in advancing FGFOA’s mission, including governance, financial reporting, compliance, member engagement, professional development, and communication with FGFOA. Presidents also received checklists, templates, and guidance to help them lead their chapters effectively and confidently.
One of the key resources introduced during the training was the new Local Chapter Liaison Program.
Introducing the FGFOA Local Chapter Liaison Program
FGFOA is excited to launch the new Local Chapter Liaison Program, an initiative designed to strengthen the connection between FGFOA and our Local Chapters through consistent communication, collaboration, and support.
Each Local Chapter Liaison is assigned one or more Local Chapters and will connect with Chapter Presidents on a monthly basis. These conversations are not intended to evaluate or oversee Chapters. Instead, they are an opportunity to listen, build relationships, and better understand each Chapter’s unique needs and goals.
Monthly discussions will focus on topics such as what’s working well, current challenges, member engagement, leadership development, upcoming priorities, and any support FGFOA can provide. By maintaining regular communication, Liaisons will gain a deeper understanding of each Chapter while helping ensure that Chapter Presidents have a trusted resource they can turn to throughout the year.
Ultimately, the Local Chapter Liaison Program is about building stronger relationships. Our goal is for every Local Chapter to know they have an advocate at FGFOA who understands their successes, recognizes their challenges, and is committed to helping them thrive. By serving as the bridge between Local Chapters and FGFOA leadership, the Liaison Program will help ensure we continue working together to strengthen our organization and Educate, Elevate and Empower allowing us to better serve our members.
Virtual Training Opportunities
Upcoming FGFOA Webinars – Mark Your Calendar!
Stay current and connected with FGFOA’s lineup of professional development webinars! Each session is designed to provide practical insights, timely updates, and tools you can apply directly in your daily work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or expand your leadership skills, there’s a webinar for you.
- September 17, 2026 – Revisiting Pensions & OPEB Disclosures (AA)
- October 15, 2026 – Cyber Risks 2026/PCI Readiness and Compliance (TB)
- November 19, 2026 – Review of GASB 87/96/101/103/104 and Current GASB Project Agenda (AA)
Visit the FGFOA WEBINAR PAGE and click “Register Now” or log in to your member portal and go to the “Events” tab.
Don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities!
Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?
The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).
Learn more and register
Spotlight on Membership
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? A mentor, colleague, or chapter leader who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the FGFOA Member Spotlight! It only takes a few minutes, and your nomination could help highlight the inspiring work of a fellow member.
CLICK HERE to Nominate a Member
Local Chapter News
FGFOA’s local chapters are the heartbeat of our organization, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within their own communities. These events range from professional development sessions and technical trainings to networking socials and community outreach initiatives.
Attending your local chapter events is a great way to stay engaged, expand your professional network, and share ideas with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of government finance. Be sure to check your Local Chapter Calendar for upcoming local chapter events and opportunities to engage with your peers.
Monthly Events Preview
Stay up to date with what’s happening across FGFOA! The Upcoming Webinar Schedule can be found on our website.
How do I register for FGFOA Events?
- Log into your FGFOA member portal
- Go all the way to the very top. You’ll see the “event” tab. (Don’t hover over it, just click on it.) That will open up all of the events that are open for registration.
- Click on the hyperlink of the event you want to attend.