Message from the President

Leading The Municipal Forum of New York is a true full‑circle moment for me. My path in public finance began as an Urban Leadership Fellows (ULF) intern – an experience that provided mentorship, confidence, and access to an industry that can be life-changing when opportunity meets support.

For more than 30 years, MFNY’s ULF program has helped make that access real. Since 1992, the program has supported more than 800 NYC students through paid municipal finance internships and ongoing college scholarships – many of them first generation college students and from underserved communities. These are not just statistics; they represent futures unlocked and careers launched.

MFNY’s mission has always been clear: to convene leaders, elevate dialogue across public finance, and expand access to opportunity. Through our events, speaker series, and longstanding commitment to the ULF program, we continue to strengthen both our industry and the next generation of public finance professionals. As President, I am focused on honoring MFNY’s strong foundation while building forward—welcoming new leaders, deepening engagement, and multiplying opportunities for students whose journeys may begin just as mine did.

For those in the industry interested in getting involved, MFNY offers many ways to participate – from becoming a Forum member, to sponsoring or mentoring a ULF intern, to supporting our programs through events and partnerships. I invite you to connect with us and be part of a community committed to strengthening public finance and investing in future leaders.

I am deeply grateful to our members, the MFNY Board, Associate Board, and partners whose dedication makes this work possible. Together, we will continue to strengthen our industry and invest in those who will lead it forward.

 Linda Yip, President