Finance Department Honored With Special Recognition
October 26, 2026, 1:50 p.m.

KNOXVILLE - For the 39th consecutive year, the City’s Finance Department has been recognized by its North American peers with a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

The Government Finance Officers Association considers the award “the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,” and this year’s award comes with extra laurels in the category of long-range operating financial plans.

“Special recognition is given when all three reviewers give the highest possible score in particular categories,” GFOA says in its award notification.

“I know how dedicated, conscientious and professional our Finance Department professionals are,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “But notching the highest possible score in how we present our long-range fiscal plans – that’s raising the bar to a new high.

“We’re committed to demonstrating openness and transparency, and the GFOA review panel once again has recognized that.”

An impartial panel of peer professionals scrutinized the City’s efforts to effectively and openly present its budget – as a financial blueprint, but also as a policy document, an operations guide, and a means of communication.

Chief Financial Officer Boyce Evans said he appreciates the consistency of excellence – and the culture that it fosters.

“The criteria for these awards is quite demanding,” he said. “Our Finance professionals make earning these awards year after year look easy. But frankly, it takes a full commitment to openness, and intentionality, to do a budget the right way and to earn GFOA recognition.

“Our goal is always to make it as easy as possible for every Knoxville resident and business owner to understand how his or her tax dollars are being invested. Good collaborative stewardship helps assure stability and prosperity for future generations.”