International honours for City of Hamilton’s 2024 budget

The City of Hamilton has received a Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its 2024 Budget, the first time the city has been so recognized.

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

“It is an honour to have the City of Hamilton’s budgeting efforts recognized,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “We are committed to enhancing responsiveness and transparency by modernizing our City systems, including the budget process.”

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.

“Our commitment to high standards enables us to effectively address the needs and feedback received from Hamiltonians while maintaining clear and open communication,” the mayor added.

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 is a tremendous honour and a testament to the City’s commitment to excellence in financial management,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “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.”

More than 1,700 communities participated in the Budget Awards Program, with award recipients recognized for efforts to enhance the quality of budgeting and serve as exemplary models for other governments throughout North America.

Eighteen other Ontario municipalities were also honoured, including Mississauga, Brampton, Halton and Niagara.

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