The Concord Coalition experienced an extraordinary week in Atlanta beginning October 20, filled with energy, engagement, and excitement for our mission of promoting fiscal responsibility and informed citizenship.
A Night of Connection and Support
Our events began on a high note with a fundraising reception hosted by former Georgia State Representative and Concord Advisory Council member Margaret Kaiser. The evening brought together an impressive group of civic and community leaders, including current and former state legislators, the former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the State Economist, university professors such as Phil Joyce of the University of Maryland, and state and national leaders of the League of Women Voters.
In addition to raising funds to support The Concord Coalition’s educational initiatives, the reception served as a powerful moment of “friend-raising.” The conversations and commitments that emerged will help spark new Concord events and partnerships across Georgia and beyond. We were especially honored to welcome distinguished guests Bill Hoagland, former Republican staff director of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, and Tom Kahn, former Democratic staff director of the U.S. House Budget Committee. Both shared valuable insights and encouragement for our ongoing work.
Policy Insights at the ABFM Conference
On Thursday, Executive Director Carolyn Bourdeaux and The Concord Coalition hosted an engaging panel discussion at the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) national conference, featuring Hoagland, Kahn, and Joyce. The conversation focused on federal budgeting, bipartisanship, and the path forward for responsible governance. It drew a packed audience and earned high praise for its depth and balance. Many attendees noted that it was one of the most substantive and timely discussions of the multi-day conference.
Collaboration with The Volcker Alliance
Capping off the week, Carolyn Bourdeaux participated in a Friday panel organized by The Volcker Alliance and moderated by Noah A. Winn-Ritzenberg, the Alliance’s Senior Director of Public Finance. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to public budgeting, intergovernmental finance, and the importance of restoring public trust in institutions—central themes of The Concord Coalition’s mission.
A Lasting Impact
Together, these events left a lasting impression on Atlanta and the broader public administration community. They showed that conversations about fiscal responsibility and good governance can attract strong, diverse audiences and inspire new collaborations to advance this work.
As one attendee put it, “The Concord Coalition isn’t just talking about the national debt; it’s rebuilding civic trust one conversation at a time.”
We look forward to building on this momentum with upcoming events across the country as we continue to engage citizens and leaders in shaping a more responsible fiscal future.
