A well thought out travel and conference policy, specifically designed for your operations, is the foundation for establishing effective control over travel and conference expenses. One of the purposes of this guide is to provide you with an overview of key elements that you should consider when developing or updating your travel and conference policy. Travel policies and procedures adopted by the governing board (or appropriate management officials) should address both officers and employees of the local government or school district.

In addition to policy development, this guide also includes practical discussions on establishing lodging, meal, and mileage rates; standardized travel forms; using credit cards and cash advances to pay for travel; extension of travel for personal reasons; travel expenses of spouses and other nonemployees; and other topics associated with the management of travel and conference expenses. We have also included information pertinent to volunteer firefighters and online training.

We have provided legal references, whenever applicable, in endnotes and additional legal references are provided in Appendix B.