Join us for a live, in-person advocacy training on how to engage the Metropolitan Water District and mobilize for a resilient, local water future in Los Angeles and beyond!
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 | 9am - 3pm | The Tahoe Room at The California Endowment
On-Site Parking Available
Public Transportation Access from Union Station or Cesar E Chavez / Alameda Metro
WHY MWD?
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is the largest water supplier in the United States. Directly serving 19 million Southern Californians, its policies impact roughly 60 million Americans across 7 western states and even into Mexico. For decades, it has been a driving force behind a myriad of environmentally impactful water projects, like importing water from the heavily impacted Colorado River and from Northern California’s extremely threatened Bay-Delta.
Today, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reshape LA’s water future while creating a global model for climate resilience. Effectively engaging MWD is crucial for this shift. The agency has recently undergone transformative changes in its leadership and is reevaluating its strategy for water planning across the West, including adopting its first-ever Climate Adaptation Master Plan (CAMP4W).
This event will provide training for NGOs, CBOs, tribes, labor groups, and other climate advocates, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to engage effectively with MWD and mobilize for more resilient and equitable local water supplies.
The agenda includes discussions from MWD staff, directors and experts on the agency’s history, role, structure, financing, current composition, decision-making processes, and upcoming projects. There will also be dedicated space for environmental, climate and other community leaders to explore strategies for advocacy, communications, and identifying top priorities for MWD engagement in the upcoming year.
Space is limited. Secure your spot by registering today!
Speakers
Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager, MWD
Deven Upadhyay, Assistant General Manager and Executive Officer, MWD
Liz Crosson, Chief Sustainability, Resilience and Innovation Officer, MWD
Tracy Quinn, President and CEO of Heal the Bay, MWD Board Member
Carolyn Schaffer, Member Services and Public Outreach Section Manager, MWD
Participants will also hear from other managers and specialists from MWD, as well as experts at Better World Group, NRDC, Restore the Delta, and the Sierra Club.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
🔵 NGOs and CBOs working on climate resilience, water infrastructure, water supplies, drinking water, and environmental justice issues
🔵 Any groups dedicated to safeguarding the waterways from which we currently import water (e.g., Bay Delta, Colorado River, Owens Valley)
🔵 Any groups actively opposing environmentally harmful projects such as Cadiz or ocean desalination
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
🌊 Promoting Resilient Solutions: Explore how transforming MWD can redirect resources from environmentally damaging and expensive diversion projects toward more local, resilient water solutions.
💧 Securing Affordable Clean Drinking Water: Play a role in ensuring MWD prioritizes access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water for all, such as the proposed Pure Water Southern California wastewater purification project.
🌿 Building a Greener LA: Uncover how transforming MWD can be the key to greening our community through innovative, multi-benefit, and nature-based stormwater projects.
SCHEDULE
Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative movement! Register now and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable water future for Los Angeles!