ACWA 2025 Legislative Symposium

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
1401 K Street, Sacramento
Meeting Rooms 9, 10 and 11
Use the 15th & K Street entrance

Cathy Green, ACWA President
Ernesto Avila, ACWA Vice President
Cristel Tufenkjian, ACWA Outreach Task Force Chair

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

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

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

Agenda subject to change without notice.

Hosted appetizers and beverages (Must be registered for symposium to attend).

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.)

Please refer to the City of Sacramento’s Parking Services webpage for parking information.

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.

Contact the Portal Support Team.

Contact the ACWA Events Team or call (916) 441-4545.

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