Local Government Finance: Guarding the Public Checkbook
MAY 19-20, 2005
Montelago Village Resort, Henderson, NV
Co-sponsored by the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities
Download Seminar Brochure pdf

Understanding Your Role
People often enter life as a local elected official with a pocketful of wonderful ideas to improve their city, school district, or county.  It doesn?t take long, however, before they hit a seemingly impenetrable barrier that frustrates their plans ? a lack of understanding of their government?s budget and finances.

Overseeing finances is not an easy job.  As a local official, you are ultimately held accountable for your cities budget and finances. It is the responsibility of the local official to know and understand the city budget, capital improvement programming and prioritization, as well as develop effective fiscal policies and understand local government financial administration.  Constituents expect their leaders to have integrity, along with the knowledge, skills, resources, and abilities to build a sound financial position for their city.

Understand Your Financial Oversight Responsibilities
How do you live up to constituent expectations?  There is a dearth of easily understood budget and financial information; much of the financial literature is written in a very technical and detailed manner.  Yes, budgets, capital plans and financial reports can be intimidating.  But they don?t have to be.  Take advantage of the opportunity to work in a small group setting and broaden your understanding of local government finance. 

Join leading trainers and experts who specialize in local government finance issues.  Engage in a program where you can learn strategies and techniques to increase your proficiency and comfort in dealing with financial oversight responsibilities as an elected official.  Gain knowledge of budget management, capital improvement planning, financial crisis warning signs and the perils of micro-management. 

Establish Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility
As a leader, you must find effective solutions to emerging concerns and challenges in your community.  Learn how to put capital facilities and infrastructures into place Learn to develop strategies for establishing a policy framework for capital budgeting in an effort for maintaining adequate operating fund balances and funding capital reserves.  Solve the mystery of local government accounting as you learn the whys, what?s and how?s of the annual financial report and understand its key elements.

The National League of Cities Leadership Institute on ?Local Government Finance: Guarding the Public Checkbook? will broaden your understanding and ability in dealing with financial oversight responsibilities to help you better serve your community.

Core Competency: Competent Practitioner? 8 Credits in the Certificate of Achievement in Leadership program

 
Local Government Finance: Guarding the Public Checkbook
The preliminary schedule of events (subject to change)?

Wednesday, May 18th
    1:00 ? 6:00 p.m.      Registration
                                     An Evening in Henderson, NV (on your own)

Thursday, May 19th 
                8:00 a.m.    Continental Breakfast
    9:00 ?12:00 noon   Dollars & Sense: Guarding the Public Checkbook ?  Len Wood
  12:00 ? 1:30 p.m.     Lunch
    1:30 ? 5:00 p.m.     Dollars & Sense: Guarding the Public Checkbook ? Len Wood
               6:00 p.m.     Reception (Hosted by the City of Henderson, NV)

Friday, May 20th 
                8:00 a.m.    Continental Breakfast
    8:30 ?12:00 noon   Infrastructure Planning and Financing for Local Elected Officials ? Dr. John ?Jack? Vogt
  12:00 ?  1:30 p.m.    Lunch
    1:30 ?  3:30 p.m.    Financial Accounting, Reporting and Annual Audit ? Dr. John ?Jack? Vogt