SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK | MIKE LOPEZ

Why Financial Accountability Matters

During an election year, we spend a lot of time talking about candidates, campaigns, and the issues that matter most to our families and profession. But there is another side of political engagement that receives far less attention: the financial work and accountability required to do it responsibly.

For those of us who serve as Secretary-Treasurers, trustees, or other financial leaders, this is where the real work begins.

At CPF, we are currently in the middle of our annual audit process. This year, we are working with a new outside CPA firm selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This change was a resolution brought to the CPF Convention floor and adopted by the CPF delegate body. Going forward, CPF will conduct an RFP every five years to bring a fresh set of eyes to our finances and ensure our practices continue to meet the highest standards. After years of working with previous firms, bringing in new auditors isn't about finding something wrong; it is about making sure nothing becomes routine or overlooked.

That same mindset is especially important during an election year. CPF is involved in numerous local and statewide races, including Gubernatorial and other state constitutional races, which means our accounting and finance teams are working closely to ensure contributions are properly recorded and reported and that we remain in compliance with California's campaign-finance requirements, including 24-hour reporting.

Why does that matter to our members? Because financial accountability gives us the freedom to act.

When we know our finances are accurate, transparent, and properly documented, we can confidently invest our resources in the fights that matter to our members. We can participate in elections, support candidates and issues, and advocate for our profession without creating unnecessary risk for the organization or the members who fund it.

At the recent IAFF Convention, delegates from across the country also made decisions about the resources needed to strengthen our union, including an adjustment to per capita dues effective October 1, 2026. For active members, IAFF per capita will be $20.28, while retired active members will pay $10.14. This is an investment that helps ensure our union has the resources to advocate, organize, and protect members at every level.

I know campaign finance and reporting can seem complicated or even intimidating. But avoiding political participation because the requirements feel daunting can ultimately cost us much more than to learn how to do it correctly. Our political strength comes from our willingness to engage, and responsible financial practices allow us to do that with confidence.

The CPF Executive Board prioritizes transparency, allowing our members to weigh in, ask questions, and be a part of the gubernatorial endorsement process. After 13 years on the CPF Board, I can say that this has been one of the most transparent and closely managed endorsement processes I’ve experienced. Our process included meetings with President Emeritus Rice and the Executive Board where candidates were asked to give their stance on several policies relating to CPF priority issues. Additionally, candidates were asked to attend townhalls at district meetings and were required to experience an educational ride-along with local departments. It would be remiss of me not to mention that none of this would be possible without the help of our CPF staff; the legislative team, the political team, and our finance teamworked in-step to ensure nothing is overlooked. There is a tremendous amount of work and countless hours happening behind the scenes making sure that CPF continues down a path that reflects our mission.

For our local financial leaders, I would encourage you to embrace that same responsibility. Ask questions. Review the numbers. Know the rules. Use the resources available to you. The work may not always be visible, but it protects your local, strengthens your voice and ultimately pays dividends for the members you represent.

At CPF, we are here to help. Our responsibility is not simply to manage the money entrusted to us; it is to make sure that trust gives our members the ability to fight, participate, and lead with confidence.