About the Program
In 2020, California’s water landscape experienced major disruptions from the pandemic, economic downturn, ongoing drought, and wildfires. Water issues that were high priorities pre-pandemic are now competing with many urgent priorities. Yet these disruptions also bring opportunities to reduce the water system’s vulnerability to economic shocks and other surprises.
Join the PPIC Water Policy Center and state and local experts for three sessions exploring ways to boost resilience to multiple stressors while supporting economic recovery and workforce development.
Conference Schedule
- November 12, Session 1: Funding water systems while ensuring affordability and equity
- November 17, Session 2: Collaborative approaches to foster groundwater sustainability
- November 19, Session 3: Priorities for a water-resilient California
Event Videos
Agenda
Session 1 — Thursday, November 12
Funding water systems while ensuring affordability and equity
How do we develop more sustainable and reliable funding sources for the water sector while also ensuring safe and affordable drinking water for all?
11:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Caitrin Chappelle, associate center director and senior research associate,
PPIC Water Policy Center
11:05 a.m. Panel Discussion
Moderator: Caitrin Chappelle
Gloria Gray, board chair, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Greg Pierce, associate director, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation
Kathryn Sorensen, former director, Phoenix Water Services
11:45 a.m. Audience Q&A
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
Session 2 — Tuesday, November 17
Collaborative approaches to foster groundwater sustainability
A look at collaborative approaches that can make it easier to enact the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act while protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
11:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow, PPIC Water Policy Center
11:05 a.m. Panel Discussion
Moderator: Jeffrey Mount
Eric Averett, general manager, Rosedale‒Rio Bravo Water District
Paul Gosselin, director, Butte County Department of Water and Resource Conservation
Angela Islas, community development specialist, Self-Help Enterprises
Sandi Matsumoto, director, California Water Program, The Nature Conservancy
11:45 a.m. Audience Q&A
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
Session 3 — Thursday, November 19
Priorities for a water-resilient California
Priorities to improve the system’s ability to weather future disruptions.
11:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Ellen Hanak, vice president and center director, PPIC Water Policy Center
11:05 a.m. Panel Discussion
Moderator: Ellen Hanak
Joaquin Esquivel, chair, State Water Board
Matthew Muirragui, majority staff director, Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, US House Committee on Natural Resources
Karla Nemeth, director, California Department of Water Resources
11:45 a.m. Audience Q&A
12:00 p.m. Adjourn