Conference Overview:
- Friday, March 27: Water Tour & Opening Reception
- Saturday, March 28: Conference, 9 AM – 3 PM
Panel Descriptions:
Building Resilient Water Systems Through Diverse Leadership
- Who leads California’s water systems—and why does representation matter? This panel explores how leadership pathways, workforce diversity, and access to water knowledge shape governance, infrastructure investment, and community trust. Panelists will discuss why informed, inclusive leadership is essential for navigating climate pressures, aging infrastructure, and rising costs—and how investing in people is key to building resilient, community-centered water systems.
SGMA’s Impact on Local Governance, Communities, and Regional Economies
- How is the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) reshaping local decision-making and regional economies? This panel examines the role of elected officials and GSAs in implementing groundwater sustainability, with a focus on equity, transparency, and community engagement. Panelists will share strategies for balancing water reliability, economic stability, and long-term resilience across California’s regions.
Funding the Future: Rebuilding California’s Aging Water Infrastructure
- What will it take to modernize California’s water systems? This panel examines funding challenges and opportunities, including the role of the Prop 4 Climate Bond, in supporting climate-resilient and equitable infrastructure. Panelists will discuss innovative financing tools, policy frameworks, and partnerships that help ensure safe, affordable, and reliable water for communities statewide.
Indigenous Knowledge and Water Stewardship (Lunch Session)
- How can Indigenous water stewardship inform California’s water future? This session highlights Tribal leadership and traditional ecological knowledge as critical components of sustainable water governance. This lunch session will discuss opportunities for collaboration between Tribal governments and local agencies, the importance of government-to-government relationships, and ways to center Indigenous voices in water decision-making.
A limited room block is available with registration, with rates starting at $199 for King Standard rooms and $219 for Queen/Queen Standard rooms.