Water Agencies Elevate Leadership Across SoCal by Santa Margarita Water District Jan 15, 2026 Member Submitted News The Elevate Leadership Program concluded this week with its final session and graduation, celebrating the inaugural class of emerging leaders from nine Southern California water agencies. The program was created through the shared vision of several water districts and municipal General Managers who recognized the importance of developing the next generation of water industry leaders. Beyond building leadership skills, the program emphasized the value of relationships across agencies. Collaboration, resource-sharing, and open communication among districts play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-quality drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to the communities they serve. Over a six-month period, participants from nine water agencies came together for six sessions focused on key leadership topics, including personalities, coaching and mentoring, emotional intelligence, delegation, prioritization, having difficult conversations, and effective communication. Each session was hosted by a different partner agency, reinforcing the program’s regional nature. The first graduating class completed its final session and received certificates of completion on January 13, 2026, at Santa Margarita Water District headquarters in Rancho Santa Margarita. The graduation marked an important milestone for both participants and the agencies that supported the program. General Managers expressed pride in their team members for completing the program. Santa Margarita Water District General Manager Robert Grantham encourages graduates to continue building relationships with one another and to reach out as challenges and opportunities arise throughout their careers. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the program’s impact on both leadership development and regional collaboration. The success of the inaugural Elevate Leadership Program sets a strong foundation for future classes and continued partnership across the water industry. The participating agencies include Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, El Toro Water District, Fallbrook Utility District, Jurupa Community Services District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Rainbow Water District, Rancho California Water District, Santa Margarita Water District, and Yuima Municipal Water District. Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
