As we celebrate the holiday season, I hope each of you finds time to rest, reflect, and enjoy moments of peace with family and friends. This is a season that reminds us of the importance of community—and I’m grateful for the dedication you bring to serving yours each day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fall Symposium on Ethics and Public Finance. The program provided valuable insights into truthful budgeting, growth pressures, ethical fiscal strategies, and other timely finance topics. We appreciate your participation and your commitment to strengthening Florida’s communities.
Elections are now open for the Vice President and At-Large Director positions. Both positions require that you be a Full Member for at least three years of membership. To be eligible to apply for the Vice President position, you must have also served on the Board for at least two years. The deadline to submit your application is January 30, 2026.
We are looking forward to the 2026 Winter Institute, which will take place February 26-27, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. This year’s theme, “Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times,” will explore how local government leaders can navigate change with creativity and resilience. The hotel block closes January 30, and space is limited. This event is open to Full Members only—be sure to register here to secure your spot.
Mark your calendars for our next free coaching webinar, “Turning Workplace Strain into Stability: The Ombuds in Local Government,” on January 8 at 2:00 p.m. This session will discuss how an organizational ombuds can serve as a confidential resource to improve communication, resolve concerns early, and help foster a healthier workplace culture. To register, click here.
As a reminder, dues payments and your annual ethics training requirement are due by February 1. If you still need to meet the ethics requirement, both the FCCMA and ICMA websites offer helpful resources to assist you.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has submitted photos for the FCCMA Photo Contest. The contest closes on January 12, and we look forward to seeing even more images that capture the spirit of Florida’s communities. To submit your photo, click here.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restorative holiday season. Thank you for your continued commitment to FCCMA and to the communities you serve.
Sincerely,
Sarah
