The City of Richmond’s Office of Budget and Strategic Planning has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its fiscal year 2026 budget presentation. This award recognizes excellence in government budgeting and reflects the city’s commitment to high standards in financial planning.
Mayor Danny Avula commented on the achievement, stating, “Our budget tells the story of our priorities. From public safety and neighborhoods to small businesses and housing, our strategic priorities are best supported by intentional investments. I am proud of the team for setting such a high standard and, as we look towards continuous improvement, I’m excited to build upon this success in years to come.”
The GFOA presents this award to government entities that meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines evaluate how well a budget functions as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool.
Director of Budget and Strategic Planning Meghan Brown highlighted the collaborative nature of the process: “Preparing the annual budget is truly a team effort. It is not just a financial document, but a roadmap that connects resources to outcomes and preparing it involves every single City department and a commitment to clear, accessible communications.”



