BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution in Support of the Association of California Water Agencies’ Vision for Our Water Future Recommendations.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES’ VISION FOR OUR WATER FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS.
Body
SUMMARY:
On March 20, the Association of California Water Agencies’ (ACWA’s) Board of Directors unanimously adopted the Vision for Our Water Future policy document (Attachment 1) that defines statewide water priorities to inform engagement with California’s next Administration.
With a new Governor taking office in January 2027, this member-driven initiative positions ACWA to elevate water with gubernatorial candidates and advance a unified policy agenda for safe, reliable, and affordable water.
The Vision for Our Water Future outlines key priorities, including elevating water as a statewide leadership priority, protecting affordability, delivering critical infrastructure, and modernizing water management. These actions are intended to provide a framework to support a more integrated and resilient water system that can meet the evolving needs of communities and the economy.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is a member agency of the ACWA, an association that represents approximately 470 public water agencies that collectively deliver approximately 90 percent of the water used by Californians - in their homes, on their farms, and for their businesses. ACWA is asking its member agencies to adopt Resolutions of support for Vision for Our Water Future recommendations. Staff has prepared a Resolution of support for Board consideration (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND
ACWA launched a 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.
An ACWA General Manager Working Group was created, comprising 21 members, including Valley Water, with representation from all 10 ACWA regions. This group was tasked with developing a strategic, member-driven policy document that articulates focused statewide priorities and recommended actions.
The Vision for Our Water Future initiative integrated members’ unified priorities in alignment with ACWA's 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. On March 20, ACWA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Vision for Our Water Future policy recommendations and backed it with resources necessary to support its success.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no Environmental Justice impacts associated with this item. The proposed action adopts a Resolution in support of the ACWA “Vision for Our Water Future” and does not implement specific actions. Any Environmental Justice impacts will be evaluated if future Board actions are required.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: ACWA Vision for Our Water Future Policy
Attachment 2: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Joshua Golka, 408-630-4508