As we head into a new fiscal year, there are a lot of exciting things happening with FCCMA.
The new fiscal year begins October 1, and FCCMA dues invoices will be sent out this week. If you don’t receive your invoice, please contact FCCMA staff at [email protected].
We are also pleased to welcome Ana Garcia and Steve Kennedy as FCCMA’s new Senior Advisors. We are grateful for their service and leadership and look forward to the experience and guidance they will bring in support of our members. Please join me in giving Ana and Steve a warm welcome.
FCCMA is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Awards Program, which recognizes outstanding leadership, professionalism, and service in public administration. These peer-nominated awards will be presented at our 2027 Annual Conference. In addition, applications are open for Academic and Conference Scholarships. If someone in your organization qualifies, please encourage them to apply. For more information, click here.
One of FCCMA’s most important responsibilities is helping prepare the next generation of local government leaders. Through our Next Generation Internship Program, FCCMA will provide $10,000 stipends to four local governments to host interns during summer 2027. The program gives students meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with professionals in our field. Applications will open October 5 and are due November 30.
Looking ahead, save the date for the 2026 Ethics Fall Symposium on December 10 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The virtual symposium will meet the four-hour annual ethics training requirement. More information will be available in October.
Our next free coaching webinar is October 1 at 2:00 p.m. and will focus on Public Safety in Florida: Trends, Costs, and What’s Coming. I encourage you to register and join us for this timely discussion.
For those attending the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, October 17–21, I hope you’ll join us for the FCCMA Networking Reception on Monday, October 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker’s Lighthouse | Queensview. The cost is $50 for non-corporate members and $250 for corporate members, and includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will also be available. Registration is open through October 5.
Finally, the 2026 FCCMA Directory was sent out earlier this month. This year’s cover features the winning image from the City of Cape Canaveral, overlooking the Banana River Lagoon at sunset during a routine reef arches inspection. If you haven’t received your directory, please contact FCCMA staff.
As we begin a new fiscal year, thank you for your continued support of FCCMA. I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the year ahead.
We’re all in this together.
Terry Atchley
