Get Informed. Get Connected. Taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, this annual event engages water district directors, general managers, attorneys, and staff from across California with up-to-date information on critical water policy issues. The event will take place on March 26, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. followed by a networking reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Topics of Discussion What’s On Tap for 2025 – Learn about major water policy issues, including potential changes to water quality standards, a low-income rate assistance program and Proposition 4 funding. California Wildfires & Water Agencies’ Role – Explore how public water agencies are responding to wildfire disasters and the legislative priorities shaping wildfire preparedness and emergency response. A Conversation with California Senator Jerry McNerney California State Senator Jerry McNerney will share his legislative priorities related to water, including SB 454, a bill co-sponsored by ACWA. As a member of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy, he will also discuss the pending state budget. Event Sponsors Register Online by March 14, 2025 Save by Registering Early Registration includes the Networking Reception and program materials. Advantage* $385 Standard $580 ** ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED ** Any substitutions and new registrants will be taken care of onsite at the ACWA Registration desk. Sponsorship Opportunities General sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Joseph Ramos at josephr@acwa.com or (916) 669-2429. Sponsorship Deadline: March 14, 2025 Registration & Cancellation Deadline: March 14, 2025 Registration deadline is subject to availability and applicable health, safety and capacity restrictions. Attendee Terms & Conditions ACWA Code of Conduct *To be eligible for advantage pricing, you must be an ACWA Public Agency Member, Associate, or Affiliate. Agenda 12:30 – 1:00 PM Registration SAFE Credit Union Convention Center 1401 K Street, Sacramento Meeting Rooms 9, 10 and 11 Use the 15th & K Street entrance 1:00 – 1:30 PM Welcome & ACWA Update Cathy Green, ACWA President Ernesto Avila, ACWA Vice President Cristel Tufenkjian, ACWA Outreach Task Force Chair 1:30 – 2:00 PM A Conversation with California Senator McNerney Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with California State Senator Jerry McNerney, as we dive into his legislative priorities related to water. Senator McNerney will discuss his leadership on key initiatives, including SB 454, a bill co-sponsored by ACWA, and, as a member of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy, will touch on the pending state budget. Moderator: Julia Hall, State Legislative Director, ACWA Panelist: Senator Jerry McNerney, Senate District 5 2:15 – 3:15 PM What’s On Tap: Exploring Which Water Issues Will Dominate the 2025 Session With the 2025 legislative session well underway, this expert panel will dive into the key water-related issues expected to shape the year ahead. Topics will include potential changes to the State’s water quality standards, the creation of a Low-Income Rate Assistance program, and the ongoing rollout of Proposition 4 funding. Moderator: Soren Nelson, Senior State Relations Advocate, ACWA Panelists: Keith Cialino, Policy Consultant, Office of Speaker Rober Rivas Kyle Jones, Policy & Legal Director, Community Water Center Kathy Viatella, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, East Bay Municipal Utilities District 3:30 – 4:30 PM California Wildfire In early January, Southern California was hit by several climate-driven wildfire disasters exacerbated by dry conditions and unprecedented wind events. Intense wildfires of this nature have devastating impacts on communities that require multifaceted local, statewide, and federal response. Public water agencies serve a critical local government role during these events. In response to the Southern California wildfires, there has been broad discussion around water agencies’ responsibilities and abilities to combat wildfires in the wildland urban interface. This program will discuss legislative priorities related to wildfire preparedness and emergency response. Moderator: Catherine Freeman, Senior Legislative Advocate, California State Association of Counties Panelists: Charlotte Holifield, Manager of External Affairs and Public Information Officer, Calleguas Municipal Water District Lisa Lien-Mager, Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildfire Resilience, California Natural Resources Agency David Rabbitt, Director, Sonoma Water; District 2 Supervisor, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors 4:30 – 4:45 PM Closing Agenda subject to change without notice. 5:00 – 7:00 PM Networking Reception Hosted appetizers and beverages (Must be registered for symposium to attend). Visit Legislators This is the perfect time to reach out to your legislators, introduce yourself and provide some basic information about your organization and the issues that are important to you. Be Prepared To prepare for the opportunity, visit findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov to find the legislators who represent your service area. Use ACWA’s Outreach Handbook tips on etiquette and other issues to help make your visit successful. Download the Outreach Handbook Frequently Asked Questions Are there hotels that are close to the ACWA Legislative Symposium? Absolutely! As a courtesy, we are providing a list of nearby hotels HERE for your reference. (ACWA does NOT have a group rate available at these properties.) Where can I park? Please refer to the City of Sacramento’s Parking Services webpage for parking information. What is the cancellation policy? Cancellation deadline is March 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm (PT). All registration changes and cancellations must be made in writing by the event registration deadline. Valid cancellation requests will receive a refund of any registration fees paid minus a $50 processing charge. For payments originally made by credit card, refunds can be issued back onto the credit card within 60 days. Otherwise, a refund will be issued by check. No refunds or registration changes will be granted after the registration deadline. Submit request in writing to Teresa Taylor at TeresaT@acwa.com. View the full Attendee Terms & Conditions How to get help with the registration account login? Contact the Portal Support Team. Who to contact for event questions? Contact the ACWA Events Team or call (916) 441-4545. What is the current health and safety information? ACWA and Sacramento are committed to the health and safety of our members, guests, employees, and community. Health & Safety Information In accordance with the Sacramento County local health guidelines, proof of vaccination or negative COVID test are not required to participate in symposium activities. ACWA is expecting around 150 attendees indoors. Attendees are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Attendees are encouraged to determine their own personal level of comfort. Social distancing is not required though health & safety will continue to guide ACWA’s planning objectives. PLEASE CHECK THIS EVENT PAGE FOR CURRENT HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
