Local Government Budgeting Workshop | Morganton, NC

Local Government Budgeting Workshop

Full-Day In-Person Training | Morganton, NC | November 5
Prepare, Build, and Manage Your 2026 Municipal Budget with Confidence

Effective budgeting is at the core of sound municipal management. More than just numbers on a spreadsheet, a well-crafted budget is a reflection of your community’s values, priorities, and long-term vision. To help local governments prepare for a successful FY 2026 budget cycle, the Local Government Budgeting Workshop provides practical, hands-on training that walks participants through the entire budgeting process—from planning and development to adoption and financial oversight.

Designed specifically for North Carolina municipalities, this full-day, in-person workshop offers direct access to the NCLM team of experienced municipal finance professionals. Whether you're new to budget development or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to build a budget that is sound, fiscally responsible, and strategically aligned with your town’s goals.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will receive guidance and real-world examples on how to:

• Understand legal requirements and timelines associated with North Carolina municipal budgeting
• Develop a structurally balanced budget aligned with strategic priorities
• Apply fund balance and reserve policies effectively
• Build revenue and expenditure projections based on realistic assumptions
• Incorporate public input and council guidance in a transparent process
• Understand pre-audit responsibilities and procurement compliance
• Monitor and adjust the budget through sound financial management practices
• Avoid common pitfalls and ensure audit-readiness throughout the fiscal year

Why You Should Attend

This workshop will prepare you to efficiently and confidently lead or support your town’s budgeting efforts. By participating, you’ll:

• Gain a full understanding of the budget lifecycle—from planning to year-end closeout
• Learn budgeting best practices tailored to small and mid-sized North Carolina municipalities
• Work through hands-on exercises and scenarios with guidance from League finance staff
• Walk away with checklists, templates, and reference materials you can immediately apply to your 2026 budget process

Who Should Attend

NCLM requests that participating towns register at minimum two representatives, as inter-organizational groupwork is part of the workshop. Please let us know if this presents a difficulty.

Audience:

• Elected officials
• City and town managers
• Budget officers and finance directors
• Assistant managers and department heads
• Clerks and administrative staff involved in budget planning

Pre-requisites

To attend NCLM's financial workshops, participants must first have completed Municipal Finance: Comprehensive Fiscal Training for Local Governments.

If you have not yet completed this training, please reach out to learning@nclm.org for assistance and for information on when you can attend the training next.

Additional Information

• Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion
• This workshop counts toward NCLM’s Advanced Municipal Leaders (AML) Certificate Program

Complimentary Lunch

Lunch will be provided free to all attendees! We will also have refreshments available in the morning and throughout the day.