Looking Back and Planning Ahead as a New Year Arrives

Powerful currents of change driven by Mother Nature, by shifting water policy and by evolving ACWA member needs have brought us to the end of another eventful year. We have been through a lot together and have a solid foundation on which to build a successful 2026.

At the federal level, we are proactively navigating a major shift in water policy, marked by transformative changes to the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act. At the state level, we are positioning ourselves for success as California prepares for a new gubernatorial administration. And at the association level, we are implementing a new five-year Strategic Plan designed not just to serve ACWA's members, but to help them thrive through strong advocacy, robust engagement, education, communication, and continued fiscal strength.

ACWA is not merely riding the current of change - we are harnessing it. Thanks to your engagement and the dedication of our staff, the state of the association is strong and growing stronger.

Much of our momentum stems from steadily achieving goals within our 2025-'29 Strategic Plan, adopted by the Board in late 2024. It provides a clear, forward-looking roadmap to sharpen our focus and invest resources where they matter most. In just the first year, we have completed 70% of the measurable objectives, representing a reflection of our shared commitment and organizational discipline. A key achievement includes developing a strategy to leverage member expertise so we can get ahead of the issues that matter most.

This year also underscored ACWA's essential role in statewide water policy. From Sacramento to Washington, D.C., we ensured the voices of California's water managers were heard. ACWA engaged on more than 45 regulatory issues and nearly 120 legislative issues. ACWA-sponsored legislation advanced, including SB 394, which strengthens penalties for water theft and was signed by Governor Newsom.

Member engagement helped power these outcomes: 31 advocacy Alerts prompted 138 agencies to take more than 560 actions. I can't stress enough how important it is to have individual agency actions backing up ACWA's advocacy.

Connecting members remains the engine behind our advocacy. This year we hosted three major conferences, a Legislative Symposium and seven Region events. Education and communication continue to elevate our collective voice, with seven webinars covering topics from cybersecurity to water rights data.

ACWA also remains fiscally strong. Through disciplined financial stewardship, we strengthened cash balances and reduced unfunded pension liabilities, allowing the Board to reduce the planned 2026 dues increase from 2.5% to 1%, a tangible return on responsible governance.

Looking ahead, ACWA will focus on making water issues a top priority for candidates running for governor during the 2026 primary election. At the same time, the results of our recent member engagement survey will help guide our work in supporting members and strengthening local and regional efforts.

Thank you for your engagement, partnership and commitment to ACWA and California water. Whatever challenges, opportunities or surprises lie ahead of us, we will face them together. I wish you all a warm holiday break with your loved ones, and Happy New Year! .