Better Together.

• Author: Morrill, Christopher P.
• Position: FROM THE CEO

Collaboration is a key value for GFOA. It helps shape internal policy decisions and informs our guidance for members. It is the basis of GFOA's Financial Foundations Framework, which requires that finance officers work with their peers throughout government to develop more effective solutions to pressing challenges.

As an organization, GFOA is also stronger when it works with its peers. For years, GFOA has led the Public Finance Network, a consortium of associations representing local governments and other municipal bond issuers in Washington, D.C. We also rely on the strong relationships we have with our state, provincial, regional, and international associations, routinely working together to provide educational content, identify speakers for conferences, and get the word out about industry events like GFOA's annual conference.

Over the past year, GFOA has focused on broadening those connections by entering into strategic partnership agreements with several organizations outside of public finance industry. Each alliance brings unique benefits to GFOA members and helps GFOA work toward its mission of advancing excellence in public finance to build thriving communities. Our current strategic partners are:

* National Institute for Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). NIGP provides certification, training, best practice guidance, and networking opportunities to the public procurement profession in the United States and Canada. Staff for the two organizations have been working on coordinating resources, developing joint training opportunities, and planning content for annual conferences. GFOA and NIGP will also be identifying opportunities to improve finance and procurement collaboration within local government. This strategic partnership also provides GFOA members with discounted rates at NIGP training events on contract management, construction, sourcing and solicitation, and more.

* Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL). ELGL's mission is to engage the brightest minds in local government by providing timely and relevant podcasts, blogs, webinars, social media, learning cohorts, and conference gatherings, all of which foster authentic and meaningful connections that are grounded in equity and inclusion. GFOA is working with ELGL to provide the PAFR Fellowship program, which connects local governments with graduate students to help create popular financial reports.

* Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA). IPWEA is an...