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Stay Informed: Help Your Government Prepare for the Next Recession

Although states' economies have improved overall in 2018, just 20 have enough financial reserves to weather the first year of another economic recession, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings. Although it's impractical for governments to ever be 100 percent prepared with sufficient reserves to completely shoulder a downturn, budget officials can arm themselves with the necessary tools and strategies to stay afloat. CSLF's upcoming class in treasury and investment management...

OPB Director Teresa MacCartney, GMA's Kay Love to Speak at Leadership Training

Teresa MacCartney, director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), and Kay Love, municipal operations consultant at Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), will be guest speakers at the Center for State and Local Finance’s leadership training in August. The training is part of center’s in-depth public finance program at Georgia State University. All levels of government, including current and aspiring leaders, are welcome to register for the leadership training....

Former University System of Georgia CFO to Lead Accounting Course

Usha Rackliffe, an Emory University accounting professor and former CFO for the Board of Regent's at the University System of Georgia, is joining the Center for State and Local Finance once again to teach its upcoming course in government accounting. The course provides an overview of the governmental accounting and auditing function for managers, strategies for internal controls, as well as best practices in developing the CAFR. Experts in the field will share key insights on the value...

There’s Still Time to Improve Your Debt Management

The Center for State and Local Finance will offer its debt management training Jan. 24-26. But, the deadline is quickly approaching on Jan. 9. The course is being offered at a new, reduced price: $500. The instructor for the three-day course is Bart Hildreth, a professor at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and a former member of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. In addition to the debt class, here are several other courses and dates to keep in mind: Treasury and...

CSLF Reduces Prices for Government Finance Classes

CSLF Reduces Prices for Government Finance Classes The Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF) has lowered the fees for its remaining 2017-18 public finance courses. 2-day classes are now $350 -- previously $665 3-day classes are now $500 -- previously $985 4-day classes are now $700 -- previously $1,315 CSLF took this action to ensure more government leaders -- and aspiring leaders -- have access to in-depth instruction and vital networking opportunities, as part of its...

Procurement Course Registration

The Aug. 29 deadline is drawing close for government employees interested in registering for the Center for State and Local Finance’s upcoming course, “Retirement, Risk Management and Procurement.” The course will take a deep dive into these topics, especially procurement, which has been expanded for the fall course. The three-day course will equip participants with must-have procurement tools and strengthen their judgment in deploying them. As a plus, participants will learn from...

CSLF Executive Education Courses Now Available for 2017-2018

Registration is open for the Center for State and Local Finance’s 2017-2018 executive education program. Now in its fourth year, CSLF’s executive education program continually draws participants locally and nationally from state government, municipalities, counties, public authorities, and school districts. 2017-2018 courses include: Governmental Leadership: Politics, Communication, and Influence – July 19-21* Cost Analysis (Special Session) – Aug. 15-16 Retirement,...

Government Training: Retirement, Risk Management and Procurement on May 17-19

Operational expenses and unexpected legal liabilities can significantly impact the financial health of any organization. The Center for State and Local Finance’s May course, Retirement, Risk Management and Procurement, will help you fine-tune your practices, so that your department, agency or public authority stays prepared for any challenges. The course will focus on best practices in contracting and procurement, management of pension and post-employee benefit costs, and other...

Government Leadership Course at Georgia State University

The Center for State and Local Finance at Georgia State University will host its executive education leadership course on Feb. 6-8. The course helps equip professionals with the tools they need to be effective public sector leaders. Whether in state or local government, participants will come away with knowledge to successfully influence others, interact with elected officials, and oversee team members. CPE credits also are available. Previously, guest speakers included Ambassador Andrew...

Georgia's Budget: The Big Picture

Georgia’s fiscal year 2017 budget stands at $23.7 billion in state funds. How the state plans to spend – and raise – that money is perhaps one of the most important parts of the state legislative process. The state has benefited from some above trend growth, as well as new transportation revenues, and it is expected to go into fiscal year 2018 with around $1.9 billion in reserves. But, what does that really mean for the state government overall? Now that state agency budget...

Build a Better Budget with CSLF's Next Public Finance Course

The budget process is one the most laborious, yet important parts of government work. Once adopted the budget morphs into a policy document that communicates a city’s or county’s initiatives and priorities to employees and the public. On Nov. 1-4, the Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF) will host its Operating and Capital Budgeting course for city and county leaders who want to enhance this process. The course dives into how to effectively and strategically plan and develop the...

CSLF to offer Debt Management Course September 21-23, 2016

Bad debt choices can affect the fiscal health of a jurisdiction — and the people who live, work and attend schools in them — for many generations to come. With the Center for State and Local Finance’s next training in debt management, participants will gain insight on helping their government or agency avoid financial pitfalls. The course will be held Sept. 21-23 at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. In the three-day class participants will hone...