City of Hamilton receives award for 2024 Budget

HAMILTON, ON – The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Hamilton a Distinguished Budget Award for its 2024 Budget. This marks the first time the City has received this prestigious recognition. 

This award is given to local governments that meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting and meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. 

To earn this distinction, Hamilton’s budget documents were assessed on how well the budget served as ​a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications tool. 

“It is an honour to have the City of Hamilton’s budgeting efforts recognized by the GFOA. We are committed to enhancing responsiveness and transparency by modernizing our City systems, including the budget process,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Our commitment to high standards enables us to effectively address the needs and feedback received from Hamiltonians while maintaining clear and open communication.”

Special recognition was also given to the City for its long-range operating financial plans and financial policies, which are instrumental in ensuring fiscal responsibility. 

“Receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA is a tremendous honour and a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in financial management.  The annual budget process plays an important role, and our efforts to enhance the budget process highlight our proactive approach to careful financial planning and policy development to help secure the future well-being of our community” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager.

The City of Hamilton’s 2024 Budget can be viewed at hamilton.ca/budget2024.

Quick Facts:

• With more than 1,700 participants in the GFOA Budget Awards Program, award recipients are recognized for efforts to enhance the quality of budgeting and serve as exemplary models for other governments throughout North America.
• The City’s budget plans were shaped by the Council Priorities for 2022 to 2026 – Sustainable Economic and Ecological Development, Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods, and Responsiveness and Transparency. The City of Hamilton remains committed to providing high-quality services and programs in a financially responsible and sustainable way.
• Hamilton’s 2024 Budget recognizes the challenges residents face and makes critical investments toward growth-enabling infrastructure, delivering high-quality services and programs, and tackling issues related to housing and homelessness.