GFOA
By GFOA
GFOAMay 16, 2022
00:00
08:31
GFOA Audio Insights: Budgeting is Better with Rhythm
Life needs rhythm. The human body has a heart rhythm, circadian sleep-wake rhythm, breathing rhythm, and more. Being in rhythm is key to a long and healthy life. Local government budget offices also need to establish a rhythm for the internal budget process. A lack of rhythm can lead to two big problems. Listen to this new research to learn how the City of Brighton, Colorado, created a rhythm for the internal budget process and how you can too.
Jan 21, 202520:18
GFOA Audio Insights: Budget Games
Our new research delves into the tactics or “games" used by participants in the budget process to secure more resources. The most common such game is "The Padding Play", where budget requestors inflate their needs. Listen to learn more on how to contain and even defeat these tactics.
Jan 10, 202546:36
GFOA Audio Insights: Budget Officer as the Decision Architect
Organizations benefit from decision architecture. Budget officers can be the decision architects of local governments by building on four job responsibilities that allow them to reduce the impact of well-known problems of bias and noise in human decision processes. Listen to learn more.
Sep 23, 202418:08
GFOA Audio Insights: Power, Politics, and Budgeting
“Power politics” is the use of power for selfish gain at the expense of broader community. This is incompatible with the purpose of local government budgeting. However, the finance officer can “change the game” and redirect the energy of power politics to more constructive ends. Listen to this research to learn how.
Sep 11, 202434:37
GFOA Audio Insights: Simplifying Complexity
Reality is complex; mental models simplify it. A mental model is a tool that helps us make sense of the world and manage complexity and large amounts of information. For example, in public finance, thinking of reserves or rainy-day funds as a government’s savings account is a mental model. This approach simplifies the complex idea of fund balances by comparing it to something familiar from everyday life.
This report will explain how you can use mental models to enhance understanding and decision-making in public finance.
Aug 19, 202423:54
GFOA Audio Insights: The City of Arlington Wins GFOA's Fiscal Fluency Challenge
The City of Arlington, Texas, created videos to make public finance easy to understand. They used themes like “Build, Unite, Create,” comparing budgeting to a Lego set, and “Budget Bites,” which was styled like a cooking show. Arlington’s approach serves as a model for other cities looking to improve their budget communications.
Jul 26, 202409:41
GFOA Audio Insights: Breaking the Law of Triviality
Many budget officers have had an experience like the following during budget deliberations with the governing board: The governing board spends what seems like (or may be) hours discussing the line item for office supplies (“Can we reduce it by sending more emails and using printers less?”) and then afterward passes a multimillion-dollar capital project budget with little discussion.
This phenomenon is not limited to local government budgets. It is so common across time and disciplines that it has a name: Parkinson’s Law of Triviality. The first step is to understand why the phenomenon of bike-shedding occurs. Solutions can then be designed accordingly.
Jul 01, 202408:05
"Prepared to Manage Change"
This podcast features a conversation with Francisco Ordaz. For Francisco, his challenges were an opportunity to find the beauty out of life and the silver lining of compassion found in simple acts of kindness. You will hear an immigrant’s story of financial struggle and perseverance.
Jan 20, 202301:05:43
"If We Don't Look Ahead, We Will Be Behind"
This podcast features a conversation with Sơn Lê Hughes, chief financial officer of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District in Oregon. Sơn Lê grew up in Vietnam during the war that ravished her country. After a trying childhood, she boarded a plane for the West Coast of the United States to start a new journey.
Jan 13, 202301:05:43
"Not the Way I Want to Grow Up"
This episode features a conversation with Dean Rear, General Manager of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer with the Metro Vancouver Regional District. Growing up in Alberta at the foothills of the Rockies, on a mixed farm of crops and beef cattle, Dean describes his childhood as a “boy life” with miles of open space to ride dirt bikes and play hockey.
Jan 06, 202359:13
“Someone Will Take Note”
This podcast features a conversation with Brigitte Elke, Finance Director for the City of San Luis Obispo, California. Brigitte was born and raised in Switzerland with a strong connection to the land. At age 30, she relocated to America to work in advertising and media buying. When the dot-com bubble burst, she responded to an ad for a temp position in public finance.
Dec 16, 202201:02:02
"The Gigi Voice"
This podcast features a conversation with Dr. Kirene Bargas, Director of Finance & Administrative Services for the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District in Beaumont, California. Dr. Bargas grew up in Hawaii with the ocean right across the street. After high school, she relocated to Ohio looking for work and opportunities. During our conversation, she recounts a harrowing story of being held up at gunpoint and shares a survival outcome that will leave you breathless. After the trauma, she started a job that put her on a path to a 20+ year career in public finance.
Dec 09, 202201:02:19
"Give Yourself Grace"
This episode features a conversation with Amanda Klapperich, Finance Manager for the County of Rio Grande, Colorado. Amanda grew up in Wisconsin to hardworking parents and a pretty typical childhood. Her first attempt at college didn’t take and she found herself working a fast food job. At 21, she took a job as a corrections officer in the prison system. It wasn't until she was in her 30s that she realized that public finance was her intended career path.
Dec 02, 202244:34
“Best way to succeed…fully committed”
This episode features a conversation with Kevin Bain, Debt Manager for the City of Detroit, Michigan. Kevin grew up in the suburbs of Detroit embracing his diverse community. Described by family as a fearless child, Kevin overcame an early speech impediment to excel in school in both academics and athletics. After college, Kevin worked on Wall Street, completed graduate school at Harvard, and went to work at World Bank. He eventually returned to his community in Detroit committed to tackling the issues of poverty and discrimination.
Nov 18, 202201:01:51
“Invited to the Table”
This episode features a conversation Lisa McCargar, Vice President of Finance and Administration for Golden State Natural Resources. Lisa grew up a shy child in Los Angeles to hardworking blue-collar parents. Money was tight, but that didn’t stop Lisa from dreaming big. Once she entered the workforce, success and opportunity came calling. Her early career included time at Arthur Andersen and in Hollywood working on studio budgets for some of the most successful movies of that time.
Nov 11, 202201:01:42
"Some Day...You'll be a Finance Director"
Rich Lee is the Finance Director for the City of San Mateo. Growing up in foggy south San Francisco, Rich had to develop a thick skin learning to navigate his parents' divorce as well as a genetic condition that made him a target to the insensitivity of cruel adolescents. Listen as Rich discusses his fascinating journey from wanting to be a musician, to pursuing a career in public finance.
Nov 04, 202201:01:57
The Financial Data Transparency Act: What GFOA Members Need to Know
Listen as Emily Brock, GFOA's Federal Liaison Center Director in Washington D.C., and Michele Mark Levine, GFOA's Technical Services Director, discuss how the Financial Data Transparency Act would be a costly and burdensome unfunded mandate.
Sep 22, 202217:00
Talking GAAP Update with GFOA's Michele Mark Levine
GFOA's 2022 GAAP Update will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Listen as GFOA's Michele Mark Levine discusses this year's event and why you should attend.
Aug 02, 202206:57
Introducing GFOA's Fundamentals Virtual Forum
Want to invest in your advancement? GFOA’s Fundamentals Virtual Forum, July 11-15, is designed for new government finance staff who are either starting their career journey or transitioning to public finance from the private sector. Seven of the ten virtual forum sessions will be based on topics from GFOA's Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program.
May 25, 202208:25
#TimeBackChallenge Podcast Series: Efficient Meetings with Dan Olivieri of the City of Maple Ridge
In this episode, GFOA's Shayne Kavanagh talks with Dan Olivieri from the City of Maple Ridge on how he’s made meetings shorter and more enjoyable for all involved. Learn more about GFOA's #TimeBackChallenge at gfoa.org/timebackchallenge. Additional resources mentioned in the podcast: Guide to Liberating Structures, GFOA Research based on Adam Grant's work
May 16, 202208:31
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 22, 2022
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Apr 27, 202223:12
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 8, 2022
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Apr 11, 202223:12
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - March 25, 2022
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Mar 25, 202245:20
WPFN Mentorship Month – Mentor and Mentee Spotlight
GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network facilitates a Mentorship Program to connect women in the public finance field from across the country. In this podcast, you'll hear from several program participants who discuss the benefits of mentorship for professional and personal growth. WPFN’s 2022-2023 Mentorship Program application opens on March 8. The deadline to apply is April 8. More information can be found at www.gfoa.org/wpfn.
Feb 28, 202222:53
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 11, 2022
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Feb 14, 202248:40
"The Only Fallback is Me"
Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance at the San Diego Water Authority joins us for episode eight of the podcast. Growing up in San Francisco as the eldest of seven kids, Lisa Marie speaks quite candidly about her experiences of being in a family of limited means.
Jan 07, 202201:03:16
"More an Accountant than a Politician"
Richard Sensenbrenner, Assistant Director of Accounting for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joins us for episode seven of the podcast. Growing up in Troy, Ohio, Richard’s family dynamic centered on the notion that “serving the public was a noble deed.” While both parents took roles in serving their community, it was his grandfather Jack, that loomed the largest in his family’s story.
Dec 17, 202101:09:39
“You work until the job gets done”
Our guest for episode six of the podcast is former GFOA president Nancy Zielke. Growing up in Southwest Michigan on 60 acres of farmland, Nancy is no stranger to getting up at 5 a.m. and working until the sun goes down. Balancing a career path that is firmly planted with success in both public and private organizations, Nancy acknowledges the many mentors who had a hand in shaping her professional growth as well as her personal drive to understand her community and help influence change for the better.
Dec 10, 202157:46
"See the products of my life improving my community"
Our guest this week is Chris McCullion, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Orlando, Florida. Chris became CFO in his mid-30s. Our conversation touches on how that happened as well as how Chris and his team handled the enormous tragedy of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting.
Dec 03, 202159:51
“Open to the Opportunities”
Episode four of the podcast features a conversation with Jo Ann Giddings, Deputy Director of Financial Administration in the City of Aurora, Colorado. Growing up on her family farm along with her seven siblings, Jo Ann learned to be self-sufficient. With her daily chores around the farm and raising cattle, she developed a strong sense of “team work” and a community of neighbors leaning into each other for support.
Nov 19, 202143:02
“What do I have to lose?”
Joining us for episode three is Ed Harrington from San Francisco, California. Born the youngest of five children, Ed’s childhood was marked by a tremendous amount of sadness with losing both parents by the time he was a teenager. Acknowledging that this “sets you back a bit,” Ed’s mother was able to impart a certain belief in humanity that stuck to Ed’s core and helped to shape him for the rest of his life.
Nov 12, 202154:24
“88 percent...that’s me!”
Joining us this week is Veronica Carrillo with the City of San Antonio, Texas. Growing up on a block where the homes of her aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents were back door or down the street to one another, this tight knit family kept her centered and grounded. But as you’ll hear, there was one voice that rose above the rest and became her guiding compass, her father.
Nov 05, 202101:01:03
"I was dealt a certain hand"
Our first guest is Michael Bryant, GFOA President and Deputy County Manager for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Michael’s difficult but inspirational story will remind you of the guiding hand of fate, when one is shown a different path forward by the generous soul of others.
Oct 29, 202101:05:49
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 17, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Sep 20, 202153:25
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 3, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Sep 09, 202147:53
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - June 11, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Jun 11, 202159:03
Catching Up with Former GFOA Executive Director Jeffrey Esser
GFOA's John Fishbein recently spoke with Jeffrey Esser, GFOA Honorary Member and GFOA Executive Director/CEO from 1982 to 2017, about a variety of topics related to GFOA and government finance.
Jun 01, 202111:42
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - May 14, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
May 17, 202101:01:26
An Economy of Well-Being at the Local Level
GFOA's Jake Kowalski recently spoke with Mark Anielski, a well-being economist with a background in local government, about a unique and practical approach to measuring well-being. Mark discusses his work helping government play a crucial role in measuring performance and progress in terms of well-being of mind, body, spirit and the natural environment.
Mark has worked with various municipal and provincial governments and advises the federal government of Canada on well-being-based budgeting. He is currently surveying northern and southern Ireland on residents’ perceptions of well-being.
May 05, 202123:49
A Career Path in Government Finance Versus Government Administration
Many GFOA members often start out with a career path in government finance, and then consider switching to government administration. GFOA's John Fishbein interviewed GFOA Executive Director Chris Morrill to discuss this decision. Morrill's experience includes a career working in government finance and then serving as a city manager. He talks about his educational and professional background, how he made the choice to switch from finance, the differences and similarities between the two careers, and what GFOA can offer to help make that transition easier.
Apr 27, 202109:59
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 16, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Apr 22, 202147:38
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 2, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Apr 02, 202125:40
The Budget Awards Program Comes to the University of Kansas
Michael Walters Young is the Budget and Strategic Innovation Manager at the City of Franklin, Tennessee. Once a week, he teaches a night course at the University of Kansas in budgeting. Michael got his students involved as budget reviewers in GFOA’s Budget Awards Program. This podcast goes through that process.
Mar 31, 202106:48
Getting involved with GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network
Interested in becoming more involved with advancing women in public finance? On this episode, GFOA's Elizabeth Fu talks with members of GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network’s Women’s committees on communication, programming/education, and mentorship. Listen to learn how these members became involved and their experiences on the committees.
Mar 29, 202111:57
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 5, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Feb 18, 202157:39
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - January 8, 2021
Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.
Feb 18, 202156:53
Show Us Your GFOA Best Practice in Action!
GFOA is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Awards for Excellence program. Governments who have recently implemented a best practice or developed a creative solution to a common problem are encouraged to apply. Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/award-for-excellence.
Jan 19, 202109:33
Week in Washington – Special Edition December 22, 2020
GFOA FLC staff offer highlights and initial reactions to the massive spending and coronavirus relief package passed by Congress on December 21.
Dec 22, 202024:08
Budget Awards Criteria: Communicating the Budget
On this podcast, GFOA's Timothy Martin and John Fishbein discuss the upcoming webinar, Budget Awards Criteria - Communicating the Budget. This webinar will be held on December 11. To register, visit https://bit.ly/335SsDl.
Nov 23, 202002:52
A Discussion about GFOA's Elected Officials Guide Series
On this podcast, GFOA's Michael Thomas explains the new three-part Elected Officials Guide Series. Listen to learn more about the publications and get details on an upcoming free webinar scheduled for December 1, 2020.
More information: gfoa.org/eog
Nov 19, 202006:04