From September 26–28, 2024, Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education proudly hosted the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) Annual Conference. With approximately 230 registered participants, the event brought together scholars, public finance professionals, and policymakers for three days of timely and dynamic exchange. 

Under the leadership of Local Host Chair Dr. Tatyana Guzman, Associate Professor of Urban Studies, the conference featured three plenary sessions, 60 panels, 178 papers, and six poster presentations, with strong representation from Cleveland and Ohio leaders. 

Levin College faculty and students were deeply engaged throughout. Dr. Tatyana Guzman, Dr. Valencia Prentice, and Dr. Mark Salling participated in panel sessions, while doctoral student Matt Amoroso shared his research in the poster session—highlighting Levin’s commitment to scholarship and applied learning. 

The Friday afternoon plenary, “Critical U.S. State and Local Budget Issues,” held in the Levin College Atrium, showcased Ohio’s leadership in fiscal policy. Moderated by William Glasgall of The Volcker Alliance, the panel included Ahmed Abonamah, CFO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and former City of Cleveland CFO; Kim Murnieks, Director of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management; and Scott Pattison, Director of Tax Research and Policy at the Federation of Tax Administrators. 

Another plenary, “Medicaid Between the States, the Federal Government, and the Medical Industry,” was moderated by Joseph White of Case Western Reserve University and featured John Corlett, former Ohio Medicaid Director. 

Local expertise was featured throughout the program, reflecting Cleveland’s strength as a hub for policy and public finance leadership.

The Friday evening reception brought the community together, with President Laura Bloomberg, Dean Jill Gordon, and Mort and Judy Levin among the guests celebrating the conference’s success. 

The 2024 ABFM Conference reflected Levin College’s deep commitment to public service highlighting the valuable contributions of Cleveland’s policy community to national conversations in budgeting and finance.