These national trends underscore the need for NACWA’s tireless regulatory, legislative and legal advocacy. NACWA is also making a well-timed and significant investment in the communications arena to help its members more aggressively communicate the clean water utility value proposition. The future is a bright one because all of you and the leaders you are developing will step up to help guide NACWA’s ongoing efforts to shape the water policy landscape not just during this Administration but for decades to come.

I know NACWA is uniquely positioned to find the solutions of today and the innovations of tomorrow for what I believe are the thorniest challenges we face. As a local example, my utility is developing an integrated plan to help us make decisions that prioritize investment in initiatives that will provide the greatest environmental benefit for the customer dollar. I know that NACWA’s bipartisan work in Congress led to Clean Water Act amendments to codify integrated planning — ultimately signed by President Trump during his first term. NACWA gets impactful things done that help utilities make a difference in their communities every day. I have been the beneficiary of NACWA’s advocacy work, and I hope to make this year as NACWA President one of advancing initiatives that will provide benefits to your utilities and communities.