Port of Oakland receives national award for “Budget Presentation Excellence”

The Port of Oakland announced that it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement. It reflects the Port’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial stewardship.

To earn this honor, the Port’s budget met nationally recognized guidelines designed to assess how effectively a budget functions as a public policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of our finance team and staff across the Port,” said Port of Oakland Chief Financial Officer Julie Lam. “It underscores our commitment to ensuring that our budget not only guides operations but also serves as a clear and transparent communication tool for the public, our community, and all stakeholders.”

The Port of Oakland operates independently of the City’s general fund but contributes to it through direct payments for city services and local tax generation. For Fiscal Year 2026, the Port has adopted a balanced budget of nearly $698 million, roughly the size of a mid-sized city’s budget. About 62% of the Port’s revenues come from its core businesses: aviation (about 50%), maritime shipping (39%), commercial real estate (4%), and utilities (7%). These operations generate the money needed to run day-to-day services and invest in the future.

On the spending side, the Port will devote $297 million to operations, and $243 million for capital improvements like terminal upgrades, clean energy infrastructure, and utility projects. With more than a third of capital projects funded by state and federal grants, the Port is also leveraging outside investment to accelerate growth and sustainability. For residents and travelers, this means more reliable airport service, cleaner air from zero-emissions projects, stronger local job opportunities, and a modernized seaport that keeps goods moving throughout California and beyond.

The GFOA’s Budget Awards Program includes more than 1,900 participants across North America. The Port of Oakland is proud to be recognized among the leaders in advancing best practices in government budgeting.