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[DULUTH, MN] The City of Duluth Finance Department is pleased to announce that it has recently been awarded two awards for financial reporting excellence by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA):  the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s annual comprehensive financial report for the 2024 fiscal year, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

 Both the budget and the report were judged by impartial panels to meet the GFOA’s high standards, which include demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and the achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government body and its management.

 The GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is also a significant achievement that reflects the governing body's and its staff's commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the award, the City’s finance team had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. According to the GFOA, award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

 "Awards like these are a reflection of the City of Duluth’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management,” said Mayor Roger Reinert. “Our residents expect the City to be good stewards of their tax dollars. That starts with accurate and transparent financial information as well as a disciplined approach to budgeting. I’m proud of the professionals in our Finance Department and their efforts every day to protect the city’s financial health and to consistently meet these high national standards.”

The honors come as no surprise to City of Duluth Finance Director Nina Salinas. “I am proud of our finance staff and the consistent excellence they demonstrate in financial reporting and budgeting,” said Salinas. “These awards recognize their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to sound financial stewardship. The City of Duluth is fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team.”

Both the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award represent the highest form of recognition in government reporting and budgeting. The City of Duluth’s finance staff have earned these GFOA awards consistently over the years, marking the 47th and 43rd times, respectively, that the City has received them. “Financial accountability and transparency are fundamental to the City of Duluth’s responsibility to its residents,” said Salinas. “We are committed to providing accurate, audited financial reports and budgets that serve to guide policy, financial plans, and operations. These well-deserved awards reflect the quality of work delivered by our Finance Department team, whose expertise, diligence, and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen the city’s financial stewardship.”

 City Administrator Karla Culhane reiterated pride in the Finance Department. “These awards are no insignificant milestone, yet the City’s Finance team brings them home year after year,” said Culhane. “This exceptionally talented team works incredibly hard, continually raising its own standards, and consistently surpassing them.”

 The City’s budget book can be viewed on the City’s website at https://duluthmn.gov/finance/budget/.  The City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report can be viewed at https://duluthmn.gov/finance/auditor/.

 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the communities they serve.

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