Course Overview and Learning Objectives
This program provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal, ethical, and operational mandates required by Chapter 2256 of the Texas Government Code (Public Funds Investment Act). Participants will analyze the critical financial safeguards required to protect municipal taxpayer assets while maximizing efficiency within statutory boundaries.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and interpret statutory compliance parameters mandated by the Texas Public Funds Investment Act to protect public funds from unauthorized investment types.
- Analyze and evaluate different forms of financial risk—including market, strategy, liquidity, and security risks—to safeguard a city’s principal portfolio value.
- Design and implement internal financial control systems that establish a clear separation of duties and prevent fraud within municipal treasury operations.
- Formulate and monitor a portfolio diversification strategy that balances safety, liquidity, and yield in strict accordance with written local investment policies.
- Prepare, review, and audit mandated quarterly investment reports to ensure accurate, transparent disclosure of market valuations and maturity schedules to municipal governing bodies.
Prerequisites: None.
Recommended CPE Credit: 10.5 hours (6.75 hours on Day One and 3.75 hours on Day Two).
Course Content: Public Funds Investment Act requirements; investment fundamentals and strategies; cash flow; investment policies and strategies; banking, safekeeping and custody; investment risks; depository contracts; economic indicators; investment accounting and reporting; liquidity alternatives; authorized securities; and the securities trade process.
What Is Included in the Registration Fee?
The fee includes access to online handouts; a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon breaks on Day One; and a continental breakfast and morning break on Day Two (all other meals are on your own). You will also receive access to a sample investment policy for you to modify for your city’s particular needs, as well as a sample resolution to use in adopting your policy.
Who Will Present the Training at the Onsite Workshops?
Linda Patterson, CTP, President (retired), Meeder Investment/Patterson Group, Austin
Sarah Tompkins, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League, Austin
David McElwain, President, Gulf Coast Investment Consulting
Who Should Attend?
To comply with state law regarding the investment of public funds, you should identify who from your city needs to attend a TML PFIA training program. Remember, the law requires the investment officer, chief financial officer (if the treasurer is not the chief financial officer), and treasurer to attend training. In some cities, the same person holds all three positions; in others, the positions are held by different individuals.
What Do I Need to Do After I Complete the Training?
After completing the TML PFIA training, you should adopt an investment policy for your city. As part of the training, you will receive a sample resolution to help you with this compliance. You will also receive a sample investment policy to modify for your city’s particular needs.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Meeting Rooms
As you are aware, hotel meeting rooms tend to be cold. It is hard to adjust the temperature to accommodate everyone, so please bring a sweater or a jacket to ensure your comfort.
Dress Code
Please dress very comfortably; jeans are welcome.
Schedule of Events–You must sign in each day, including upon returning from lunch on Thursday
Day One, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
Education Sessions 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (Day One provides 6.75 hours of instruction)
Day Two, 7:30-8:00 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
Education Sessions 8:00 a.m.-Noon (Day Two provides 3.75 hours of instruction)
(If you are present for the full amount of training hours required, you will receive a Certificates of Completion at the end of the training.)
Continuing Education Credit
An application has been submitted to the State Board of Accountancy for continuing education units. No prerequisites are required for any session.
Attendees will earn 12 CPE credit for completing the PFIA training, and elected officials (mayors and councilmembers) can earn up to 10.5 credits toward the TML Certified Municipal Official (CMO) program.
F – This workshop meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance.
For more information about the CMO program, visit www.tml.org/CMO, or call 512-231-7400.
Confirmations/Badges
Workshop confirmations will be sent in advance if an email address is provided. Name badges will be provided onsite.
Cancellation and Substitution Policy
If you are registered and cannot attend, we encourage you to send a substitute. If you cannot send a substitute, a $75 fee will be assessed if your cancellation is emailed to acct@tml.org by November 16, 2026 (San Antonio).
TML Code of Conduct
The Texas Municipal League (TML) holds educational events to encourage the open exchange of ideas, support professional growth and development, and strengthen Texas cities. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment at our events that represents the diversity of the cities we serve. Please review and honor our code of conduct for attendees – members, speakers, volunteers, guests, and staff – and help us create a positive experience for all participants. Please take a moment to review these important guidelines here.
Special Accommodations
If you are in need of assistance of any kind, including dietary restrictions (such as allergies or sensitivities to particular ingredients), mobility, or audio or visual aids, please contact TML at 512-231-7400 or ford@tml.org.
Questions
Please contact us at 512-231-7400, or ford@tml.org if you have any questions.