Willamalane earns top national honors for transparent budgeting

In November, Willamalane Park and Recreation District received two national awards from the Government Finance Officers Association, underscoring the district’s strong stewardship of local tax dollars. 

Willamalane received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY24 financial report. An impartial panel determined Willamalane’s report met the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Willamalane also received GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY26 budget, which began July 1, 2025. This award signifies that Willamalane’s budget effectively serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award.

GFOA annually awards around 1,900 organizations with these honors that meet best practices.