The Town of Leland is proud to be recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), earning two of the organization’s highest honors. For the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, the Town received its fourth Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. In addition, the Town was awarded its third Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2023-2024.
The Distinguished Budget Award reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To earn this recognition, the Town’s budget had to meet rigorous nationally recognized standards, demonstrating proficiency in four key areas: serving as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool. Each budget must also meet 14 mandatory criteria within these categories.
First established in 1984, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program was created to encourage state and local governments to prepare budget documents that meet the highest standards of clarity and usefulness. According to the GFOA, more than 1,700 governments now participate in the program, setting an exemplary standard for financial stewardship and communication. View the Town’s fiscal year 2025-2026 Budget Manual here.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is given to governments that clearly communicate their financial history, encourage public engagement, and demonstrate a strong commitment to transparency. The GFOA calls the Certificate of Achievement the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and says receiving it is a significant accomplishment for both a government and its management. View the fiscal year 2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.