Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— The Village of Park Forest can once again boast recognition for its excellence in financial planning. It earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year budget.

This marks the 31st consecutive year — and 33rd overall — that Park Forest has received the prestigious honor. It is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

According to the GFOA, the award reflects the commitment of Park Forest’s elected officials and staff to meeting the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and public communication in budgeting. To receive the award, local governments must meet nationally recognized guidelines. These guidelines evaluate how effectively their budgets serve as policy documents, financial plans, operational guides, and communication tools.

“Earning this award year after year underscores Park Forest’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and clear communication with residents about how their tax dollars are being used,” said Finance Director Mark Pries. “Our budget isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s a roadmap. It aligns financial decisions with the Village’s long-term goals.”

14 Mandatory Criteria

Budget documents are evaluated in 14 mandatory criteria across four major categories. They must receive a “proficient” rating in each to qualify for the award.

More than 1,900 governments participate in GFOA’s Budget Awards Program. This program recognizes agencies that set the standard for effective budgeting practices.

“Receiving this recognition for over three decades demonstrates the professionalism and integrity of our finance team. It also shows the continued support of our elected officials,” Pries added. “It reflects our shared commitment to maintaining trust and transparency with the community.”

The full list of recent award recipients is available on the GFOA website at www.gfoa.org.

The Criteria

This is news from the Village of Park Forest.