The Laguna Beach County Water District has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), recognizing the District’s commitment to the highest standards of governmental budgeting. According to the GFOA announcement, approximately 1,900 government agencies across the United States and Canada earn this recognition each year, including cities, counties, school districts, and special districts. The award is given only to organizations whose budgets meet nationally recognized guidelines and function effectively as policy documents, financial plans, operational guides, and communication tools.

General Manager Keith Van Der Maaten said the award reflects the District’s core values. “Transparency is central to how we serve this community. Our residents deserve to know exactly how their water district is managing resources and planning for the future, and our budget is one of the most important tools we have to communicate that. This recognition reinforces that we’re presenting information in a clear and accessible way, and that the work behind our financial planning is meeting a very high standard.”

Manager of Financial and Administrative Services/Treasurer Brian Jewett emphasized the teamwork behind the achievement. “This award really belongs to our staff. They gather the data, refine the details, and make sure every section of the budget reflects accurate, thoughtful planning. It also speaks to the steady oversight of our Commission and Board, who push us to meet high expectations and keep the community’s needs at the center of what we do.”

More than 1,900 governments participate in the GFOA Budget Awards Program, and recipients are considered models for excellence in public budgeting across North America.