City of Novato Earns National Award for Financial Transparency and Budgeting

The City of Novato is proud to announce that it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2026/27 City Budget. The national award recognizes the City for its clear, comprehensive budget document and commitment to financial transparency, accountability and responsible management of public funds. In addition, Novato received special recognition for its detailed department descriptions and its visually engaging and informative Budget in Brief, which helps the community better understand the City's finances and community budget priorities.

This is the first time Novato has received this award since the 2017/2018 fiscal year, marking an important milestone in the City's ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial foundation and commitment to serving the community.

The recognition comes as Novato continues to make significant progress following several years of financial and staffing challenges. In June 2025, the City adopted its first balanced budget in five years, followed by a second consecutive balanced budget in June 2026.

Leading up to this award, the City has worked to address longstanding budget deficits, bring overdue financial audits and reporting up to date, address employee retention, manage operating costs and prioritize services for the community. Voter approval of Measure M, the City's local sales tax measure, provided an important source of revenue to help maintain essential services, strengthen financial reserves, invest in deferred maintenance and improve critical infrastructure.

"This award reflects the tremendous work our staff have put into strengthening the City's financial foundation," said City Manager Amy Cunningham. "This means not only getting our reporting back on track but making our budget clear and understandable so our community can see where their tax dollars go and how our spending supports community priorities."

The City is honored to receive this recognition from GFOA and extends its gratitude to the City Council, staff and community members whose commitment to sound financial stewardship continues to make achievements like this possible.

The City's budget documents are available to review at novato.gov/budget.