America’s Credit Unions published a letter sent to the National Credit Union Administration in response to its request for comment on its Travel Management Center. America’s Credit Unions Regulatory Advocacy Senior Counsel Luke Martone filed detailed recommendations that address rising costs in the face of shrinking credit union numbers.

In his letter to the Office of Management and Budget, Martone urged the agency to be tighter still with its decision-making on travel-related expenses. “There is a legitimate need for NCUA staff travel in conducting examinations, providing training, and fulfilling supervisory responsibilities,” Martone wrote. “However, we have consistently raised concerns about increasing agency travel expenditures, particularly in light of the continued decline in the number of federally insured credit unions.”

To address the balancing act of supervision and reduced expenditure, the ACU recommends a greater use of offsite and hybrid examinations, thereby reducing expenditures for the NCUA and burdens for credit unions. Martone recognized, however, the importance of in person meeting in ensuring examiners have a better grasp of the credit unions they monitor.

One particular item America’s Credit Unions called out was the ballooning budget to the SIF for state examiner training, totaling $1.5 million for travel. He noted that if an examiner can perform their duties virtually, they should also be able to attend trainings virtually.

The NCUA’s budget has come under scrutiny in the past, including here at CUSO Magazine. In 2022, the Board approved a budget of $320 million. In its most recent budget justification, the requested budget for 2025 was $419 million—just shy of a $100 million increase in 3 years. This operating budget is expected to shrink, though, as NCUA offered a voluntary separation program in May. They reported over 250 employees enrolled, which could result in $75 million in payroll savings for 2026.