Vision for Our Water Future Policy Initiative ACWA has launched a new policy initiative to actively elevate water-related priorities with California’s gubernatorial candidates, legislative leadership and administration officials in advance of a new governor taking office in 2027. The Vision for Our Water Future initiative will focus on integrating members’ unified priorities into campaign platforms and further establishing the association as a leading voice in shaping California’s water future. These priorities will be an alignment of ACWA strategic priorities and region and committee workplans. In support of the initiative, ACWA’s Board of Directors approved funding for an outside consultant to support staff’s efforts at its January Board Meeting. General Manager Working Group A General Manager Working Group was created and is comprised of 21 members with representation from all 10 regions. This group is tasked with developing a strategic, member-driven policy document that articulates focused statewide priorities and recommended actions. Members of the working group are below. Region GM/Staff Designee Agency 1 Jennifer Burke Santa Rosa Water District 1 Grant Davis Sonoma Water 2 Willie Whittlesey Yuba Water Agency 2 Jeff Sutton Glen Colusa Irrigation District 3 Sean Bigley City of Roseville 3 Andy Fecko Placer County Water Agency 3 Pravani Vandeyar El Dorado Irrigation District 4 Kristin Sicke Yolo County Flood & Water Conservation District 4 Dan York Sacramento Suburban Water District 5 Rachael Gibson Valley Water 5 Kathy Viatella East Bay Municipal Utility District 6 Allison Febbo Westland Water District 6 Federico Barajas San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority 7 Aaron Fukuda Tulare Irrigation District 7 Johnny Amaral Friant Water Authority 8 David Pederson Las Virgenes Water District 8 Dee Zinke Metropolitan Water District 9 Joe Mouawad Eastern Municipal Water District 9 Adekunle Ojo San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District 10 Joone Lopez Moulton Niguel Water District 10 Dan Denham San Diego County Water Authority Timeline Sep 2025 – Mar 2026: Vision development & early engagement Apr – May 2026: Vision rollout Jun – Oct 2026: Amplification & sustained effort Nov – Dec 2026: Post-election transition & implementation Resources and Events ACWA Advisory: ACWA Announces New Vision for Our Water Future Policy Initiative (January 30) ACWA Region Briefings on New ACWA Initiative (Completed) Regions 1 & 5: Feb. 9, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Regions 6 & 7: Feb. 10, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Regions 2, 3 & 4: Feb. 17, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Regions 8, 9 & 10: Feb. 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Water News Story: ACWA Announces Vision for Our Water Future Policy Initiative (February 2) For questions regarding Vision for Our Water Future, please contact ACWA Regulatory Relations Director Chelsea Haines at (916) 669-2431.
