KINGSTON, R.I. – March 26, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island Master of Public Administration program, in collaboration with the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, and Gov. Dan McKee’s Office, has launched the State and Municipal Finance Academy (SMFA) to tackle the critical shortage of public finance professionals in Rhode Island’s state agencies, municipalities, and school districts.

“As part of my administration’s Rhode to Prosperity initiative, we’re focusing on empowering Rhode Islanders to seek pathways to higher-wage jobs, and that includes jobs in the public sector,” said McKee. “The State and Municipal Finance Academy will not only help address the workforce shortage in this crucial sector, but also create more opportunities for Rhode Islanders to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.”

Meeting a workforce need

The State and Municipal Finance Academy is a non-credit professional development program designed to equip state, municipal, and school district employees with the essential skills needed for careers in public finance. Through seven weeks of hybrid instruction from Aug. 19 to Sept. 30, participants will gain expertise in state and municipal budgeting, tax assessment, government accounting, state reporting requirements, and negotiations.

The University of Rhode Island’s Office of Strategic Initiatives has a long track record of being engaged in efforts to address workforce challenges affecting the state.

“Governor McKee’s Rhode to Prosperity calls for experiential learning that empowers Rhode Islanders who seek pathways to higher-wage jobs,” said John Olerio, director of URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives. “The Office of Strategic Initiatives is thrilled to partner with the URI MPA program and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns to deliver an innovative program that aligns with both Governor McKee’s call to provide upward mobility for ambitious Rhode Islanders and to advance the University’s strategic goal of addressing the most pressing issues facing our state.”

The need for skilled public finance professionals has also been recognized by organizations like the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, which surveys its members to identify workforce challenges across the state.

“Rhode Island’s cities and towns rely on skilled finance professionals to ensure strong fiscal management and long-term stability,” said Randy Rossi, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. “The State and Municipal Finance Academy is a critical investment in our public workforce, equipping current and future municipal employees with the training they need to advance their careers and better serve their communities. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on local government operations across the state.”

Graduates of the SMFA will receive a certificate of completion from URI, signifying their specialized training in public finance.

Supporting displaced federal workers

In response to recent federal workforce reductions, a limited number of tuition waivers will be available for displaced Rhode Island federal employees and grant administrators. This initiative aims to help highly skilled professionals transition into state and local government finance roles, strengthening Rhode Island’s public sector.

“We are proud to collaborate with our partners to address the critical shortage of skilled public finance professionals in Rhode Island’s state and municipal governments,” said Aaron Ley, director of URI’s MPA Program. “Consistent with our nationally accredited MPA program’s mission, this program is designed to strengthen the operational capacity of public institutions while supporting public service employees at all levels of government. We also recognize the challenges faced by displaced federal service workers and grant administrators. To support their continued commitment to public service, we are offering a limited number of seats at no cost, with the hope that they bring their expertise and dedication to serve at the state and municipal level in Rhode Island.”

Program Details

• Format: 7-week hybrid program via Zoom

• Dates: Aug. 19 – Sept. 30 (Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon)

• Cost: $750 per participant (a limited number of fee waivers available for displaced federal employees and grant administrators)

• Registration: https://web.uri.edu/osi/smfa/

The SMFA will be facilitated by Stephen Coleman, chief of the Division of Municipal Finance for the Rhode Island Department of Revenue. A recognized expert in public finance, Coleman serves on the board of the Rhode Island Government Finance Officers Association and has contributed to key state initiatives such as the Municipal Resiliency Task Force and the Asset Management Commission of Smithfield. “My goal for this program is to expand the pool of qualified local fiscal professionals by introducing students to essential concepts and topics not typically covered in traditional educational programs, but are critical to the role,” said Coleman.

With a curriculum tailored to Rhode Island’s unique public finance landscape and instruction from experienced practitioners, the State and Municipal Finance Academy is poised to become a cornerstone in training the next generation of public finance leaders.

About the URI MPA program

Established in 1961, the University of Rhode Island’s Master of Public Administration program is the only NASPAA-accredited MPA program in Rhode Island. It provides rigorous yet flexible training in public service leadership, policy analysis, and public management. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and local governments, the program prepares graduates to lead, manage, and address critical public service challenges.

For more information or to enroll in the State and Municipal Finance Academy, visit https://web.uri.edu/osi/smfa/. Or contact Aaron Ley, at 218-431-6322 ajley@uri.edu