The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has presented an Outstanding Achievement Award to the City of Ridgefield for its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
This national recognition marks a significant accomplishment for Ridgefield, highlighting the City's dedication to transparency and accessibility in financial reporting.
To be eligible for the PAFR Award, a government must also receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The City of Ridgefield received this certificate in December 2024. Each PAFR submission is reviewed by a panel of judges who evaluate reports based on criteria such as reader appeal, clarity, creativity, distribution, and overall effectiveness in communicating financial information to the public.
A Popular Annual Financial Report is designed to present the City’s financial data in an accessible and easy-to-understand format for residents and stakeholders without a background in public finance. Ridgefield’s 2023 PAFR includes information about the City’s organizational structure, revenue and expenditure data, community statistics, capital projects and comparisons of tax and utility rates with nearby jurisdictions. The full report is available to view on the City’s website.
“These awards are more than certificates on a wall—they’re a reflection of our promise to Ridgefield residents to be transparent, responsible stewards of public funds,” said City Manager Steve Stuart. “We’re proud of the outstanding work by Finance Director Kirk Johnson and his team in creating clear, accessible financial information that helps our community stay informed and engaged in how their government works.”
Residents interested in learning more about the City’s finances can also explore Ridgefield’s Financial Transparency Center and Online Budget Book.