Penticton receives distinguished budget award for financial excellence

For the second year in a row, the City of Penticton has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, for the 2026-2030 Financial and Corporate Business Plan, from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), recognizing excellence in municipal financial planning, transparency and accountability.

The award represents the highest level of recognition in governmental budgeting and reflects the City’s commitment to meeting rigorous standards in how its budget is developed and communicated. Budgets are evaluated on their effectiveness as policy documents, financial plans, operations guides and communications tools.

In addition to the main award, Penticton again received special recognition for its strategic goals and strategies — a distinction awarded when all reviewers assign top marks within a category.

“Receiving this recognition speaks to the strong financial stewardship and planning that supports our community,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “In a time when municipalities are facing increasing pressures and growing service demands, it is more important than ever that we maintain transparent, accountable and forward-looking budgeting that reflects the priorities of Penticton residents.”

The GFOA’s Budget Awards Program includes more than 1,900 participants across North America. Penticton’s recognition places it among leading municipalities demonstrating best practices in public sector budgeting.

Angela Campbell, the City’s Chief Financial Officer, said the recognition highlights the City’s continued focus on aligning financial decisions with long-term community outcomes.

“This award — along with the special recognition for our strategic goals — reflects the strength and discipline of our financial planning process,” said Campbell. “It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that our budget not only meets technical standards but clearly communicates how we are investing in the community today while planning responsibly for the future.”

For more information about the GFOA and the Budget Awards Program, visit: https://www.gfoa.org/.