League field representative Phillip Patterson visited Fayetteville on October 15 to address a graduate-level public budgeting and finance class at the University of Arkansas. Patterson, a former city manager and longtime member of the Arkansas City Management Association (ACMA), was invited to share his professional experience in municipal government.

During the class, he discussed a range of topics relevant to local government operations, including forms of municipal government in Arkansas, departmental structures, revenue sources, budgeting practices, financial solvency and fraud risk. He also spoke about career pathways in local government and the importance of civic engagement.

The visit was part of the League’s ongoing efforts to support the next generation of public service professionals and to promote awareness of the vital role cities and towns play in community development.