It is always comforting to know that a City's revenue is being accounted from properly, and with transparency. The City of Gulf Shores commitment to financial excellence and transparency is recognized by securing three prestigious awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). These accolades highlight the city's ongoing dedication to maintaining the highest standards in budgeting, financial reporting, and public communication of fiscal matters. 

The three awards include:

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
For the 13th consecutive year, the City of Gulf Shores received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award represents a significant achievement as it reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award City of Gulf Shores has to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and 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.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
This is the 12th year that the City of Gulf Shores has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for the Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report. The report was evaluated by judges based on the following categories: reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity and other elements. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 

Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR award)
This is the third year the City of Gulf Shores has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR award). The City was notified that the Popular Annual Financial Report had substantially met the requirements of the PAFR Awards program. To be eligible for the PAFR award, the government must also submit its annual comprehensive financial reports to GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program and receive the Certificate for the current fiscal year. Each eligible report is reviewed by judges who evaluate the report based on the following categories: reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity, and other elements.

“It’s not an accident that our City has an AA+ bond rating, it’s not an accident that we have seen an increase of over 300% in our cash reserves since 2010, and it’s not an accident that as a City, we continue to make responsible and effective budget decisions. It’s a direct result from the hard work of our Finance & Administrative Services Departments, City Council Finance Committee, and all City Departments who diligently manage the budget daily and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” said Mayor Robert Craft.