{"id":12769,"date":"2025-01-22T16:19:54","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T21:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/?page_id=12769"},"modified":"2026-03-23T12:05:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:05:48","slug":"smfa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/smfa\/","title":{"rendered":"State and Municipal Finance Academy"},"content":{"rendered":"

State and Municipal Finance Academy<\/h1><\/div><\/div>
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Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n

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Program Overview<\/strong><\/h1>\n

The State and Municipal Finance Academy (SMFA) aims to address workforce shortages in the public finance sector by creating skills development and career advancement pathways for state and municipal employees. A<\/span> collaboration between the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns<\/a>, URI\u2019s Office of Strategic Initiatives, and the University of Rhode Island Master of Public Administration (MPA)<\/a> program, this program is designed to tackle the ongoing shortage of public finance professionals in Rhode Island’s state agencies, municipalities, and school districts. <\/span><\/p>\n

This non-credit, professional development program is open to all, and is ideal for state, municipal, and school district employees. The program covers foundational principles of public finance, such as state and municipal budgeting, tax assessment, government accounting, political structure, state reporting requirements, and negotiations. Participants master in-demand skills through a hands-on municipal budget program that allows them to apply what they are learning in real time, guided by a variety of subject matter experts from the field.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Partner with us<\/h1>

We believe in the power of collaboration. By partnering with OSI, you\u2019ll receive customized solutions tailored to your unique needs. From initial consultation to implementation and evaluation, we\u2019re with you every step of the way.                       <\/p>\n

Discover how our programs can transform your organization and unlock new opportunities for growth.<\/p><\/div><\/section>
\nContact our team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThe whole program between facilitator, guest speakers, and URI staff were professional, nice, and extremely informative.\u201d<\/blockquote>SMFA Cohort 1 Graduate<\/cite><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Fall 2026 Cohort<\/h1>

The Fall 2026 cohort, scheduled for August 18th through October 6th<\/strong>, is now FULL. Join the WAITLIST today to be notified if space becomes available.<\/p>JOIN THE WAITLIST<\/a><\/div><\/div>

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Benefits and Outcomes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Career Advancement<\/strong>: Training that opens pathways to high-paying positions in state and municipal finance offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certification<\/strong>: A certificate of completion from the University of Rhode Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customization and Flexibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The SMFA is offered as a hybrid program with online meetings via video conferencing, for added convenience and flexibility. With start dates in both spring and fall, interested candidates can apply at any time and choose the schedule that best fits their lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n