An economic analysis of participation in the municipal finance officers association certificate of conformance program☆

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explain municipalities' voluntary participation in the MFOA Certificate of Conformance Program (CCP) during 1976–1980 as a function of the economic incentives of municipal officials. Our operational model predicts that cities with more debt, CCP participation prior to 1976, professionally active municipal officials, and a manager form of government are more likely to participate. In addition, cities in states with GAAP (non-GAAP) reporting requirements were expected to be more (less) likely to participate. Taken as a whole, the empirical results are consistent with the proposed model of the CCP participation decision.