Ahead of budget deliberations on Thursday (Dec. 2), City of Kelowna finance staff received recognition for their dedication and excellence.

For the 23rd consecutive year, the city has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The most recent award honours staff for their work on the 2024 annual budget document.

"Particularly notable is the outstanding rating staff received for the new service area sections and our service-based budgeting," said Joe Sass, Kelowna's Chief Financial Officer.

Sass also noted that the 2025 budget continues to exceed program requirements and will be submitted to the GFOA for consideration for another award.

The GFOA, founded in 1906, represents public finance officials in Canada and the United States. These awards recognize excellence in government budgeting and financial transparency.