Proclamation
Celebrating Government Finance Professionals Week
WHEREAS, the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) is the state’s leading professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in financial management for California’s local governments; and WHEREAS, government finance professionals serve cities, special districts, and joint powers authorities, by ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds; and WHEREAS, these professionals play a critical role in managing complex budgets, complying with state and federal laws, maintaining accurate financial reporting in compliance with government accounting standards, administering utility rate processes and enterprise funds; and supporting long-term financial sustainability; and WHEREAS, California’s financial landscape- shaped by Proposition 13, Proposition 218, the Gann Appropriations Limit, CalPERS pension obligations, and fluctuating economic conditions- requires expert analysis and sound financial leadership; and WHEREAS, during unprecedented challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, government finance professionals demonstrated adaptability and leadership by safeguarding the City’s financial stability, managing emergency funding, supporting economic recovery efforts, and ensuring continuity of essentials services; and WHEREAS, government finance professionals serve as the financial gatekeepers of the City by building and maintaining prudent reserve levels consistent with Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices, implementing long-term financial forecasting, and recommending balanced budgets that ensure fiscal sustainability for current and future generations; and WHEREAS, the City of Fort Bragg has demonstrated strong fiscal stewardship through the achievement of reserve levels consistent with GFOA recommendations, the preparation of balanced budgets, and recognition through the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in budgeting and financial reporting; and WHEREAS, finance professionals work diligently, often behind the scenes, to provide critical information that enables informed policy decisions and ensures the delivery of essential public services; and WHEREAS, recognizing Government Finance Professionals Week during the last week of March helps highlight the dedication, integrity, and professionalism of these essential public servants; NOW, THEREFORE,I, Jason Godeke, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim the last week of March as Government Finance Professionals Week and encourage all residents, City staff to recognize and appreciate the hard work, expertise, and dedication of the finance professionals who serve as stewards and guardians of the City’s financial future.
SIGNED this 23rd day of March, 2026
ATTEST: JASON GODEKE, Mayor
Diana Paoli, City Clerk
No. 13-2026