Santa Clara, Calif. transit agency honored for budget

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, as presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

The award notes the excellence of VTA’s fiscal year 2010-2011 budget as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

“A top quality budget is essential if citizens are to be full participants in the budgetary process. Better budget documents contribute to better decision making and enhanced accountability” said Sam Liccardo, San Jose City Council Member and VTA Board of Directors Chairperson. “This award shows that VTA is being recognized on the national level as a financially prudent manager of public transportation services in Santa Clara County.”

In order for an organization to receive this award, the GFOA requires that multiple mandatory criteria need to be met. In the letter to VTA announcing the award, the GFOA noted the award represents a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the organization and its staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

The letter also says the GFOA considers recipients of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other state and local governments throughout North America.