City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE 1ST DEPUTY
COMPTROLLER TO ATTEND THE 2026 SMART CITIES
CONFERENCE IN NATIONAL HARBOR, MARYLAND
Whereas, in correspondence dated August 13, 2026, the Comptroller formally requested authorization for the 1st Deputy Comptroller to attend and participate in the 2026 Smart Cities Conference, to be held September 22 through September 24, 2026, in National Harbor, Maryland, including participation as a panelist in the Digital Transformation session; and
Whereas, the 1st Deputy Comptroller has been invited to serve as a panelist during the conference's Digital Transformation session, which will address the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on accounts payable operations; and
Whereas, the subject matter of the Digital Transformation session is particularly relevant to the City of Mount Vernon considering the recent increase in fraudulent and potentially fraudulent invoices, including the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to create increasingly sophisticated fraudulent documentation; and
Whereas, participation in the conference will provide the 1st Deputy Comptroller with an opportunity to share the City's experiences and practices, learn from other public-sector organizations, and identify technology, fraud prevention, and internal control practices that may strengthen the City's accounts payable processes; and
Whereas, attendance at the conference will further support the City's ongoing efforts to enhance financial controls, safeguard public funds, detect and prevent fraudulent activity, and utilize emerging technologies responsibly and effectively; and
Whereas, the conference organizers will cover the registration fee and travel expenses associated with the 1st Deputy Comptroller's participation; and
Whereas, the City's only anticipated expense in connection with such attendance is lodging, which shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00); and
Whereas, the City Council ...
Click here for full text