City Receives National Budget Award; Hosts April 2 Budget Forum

Media Advisory
For Immediate Release

March 13, 2026

City of Evansville Receives National Budget Award; Residents Invited to April 2 Budget Forum

Evansville, Ind.- The City of Evansville has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its 2026 city budget. This is the first time Evansville has received national recognition, reflecting the City's commitment to the highest standards of governmental budgeting.

"Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America," GFOA officials said in announcing the award.

The award recognizes budget documents that effectively function as a financial plan, an operational guide, a policy document, and a communications tool. Budgets are evaluated on how clearly they present priorities, revenues, expenditures, and long-term financial planning in a format that is understandable to the public.

"The city is honored to receive this recognition, and we are extremely proud of our team that annually develops and prepares the budget," said Mayor Stephanie Terry. "Transparency and responsible financial management are critical to the City's success, and this recognition reflects that commitment."

To continue that commitment to transparency, the City of Evansville will host a Community Budget Forum where residents can learn more about how the city's finances work on April 2, 2026; 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. at McCollough Library located at 5115 Washington Ave.

During the forum, city officials will provide an overview of major funding streams, how local dollars are spent, and how the annual budget process works. The event will also include time for residents to ask questions.

Representatives from Accelerating Indiana Municipalities (Aim) will also attend to discuss how actions taken by the Indiana General Assembly have impacted local government revenue streams across the state.

"This would not have been possible without the strong leadership and collaborative partnership of the Mayor, City Council, and departments citywide that participate in the budget process," said City Controller Robert Gunter. "Our goal is not only to manage the city's finances responsibly but also to make the information accessible so residents understand how decisions are made and where resources are going."

A complete list of award recipients can be found at:

https://www.gfoa.org/budget-award-winners

Residents are encouraged to attend the April 2 forum to learn more about Evansville's finances and how city resources are used to support services and community priorities.

For media inquiries, contact Ella Johnson-Watson, Interim Communications Director, at 812-436-4965 or [email protected].

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