Communicating with Diverse Constituencies at CASA’s Annual Conference
CASA’s Annual Conference is just around the corner! We hope you can join us in San Diego August 11-13, as we hear from experts on topics we’re all concerned about, including the impending drought, California’s push for electrification, the changing nature of work, gender diversity and pay equity in the workforce, and much more! Plus, hear from association leaders and communications professionals on how to build bridges with diverse constituencies in your community and develop programs to communicate the clean water community’s message. You won’t want to miss this panel discussion! Bring your colleagues and all your questions about diversity and inclusion as we build a better future together!
Check out our preliminary program to see the other great speakers, panels, and presentations available during CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference and register today! We hope to see you there!
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CASA Annual Business Meeting and Election of Directors
CASA will hold its annual business meeting August 11-13 during the Annual Conference at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. During the meeting, members will be asked to elect a slate of four director positions to the CASA board of directors and approve the annual dues resolution. The dues resolution carries forward the dues from the current year with no increases. The nominees for the CASA Board are as follows:
- Craig Elitharp, Vallecitos Water District
- Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, Dublin San Ramon Services District
- Roland Williams, Castro Valley Sanitary District
- Rita Duncan, Oro Loma Sanitation District
Emails to each agency’s designated representative were sent out in June along with the President’s memorandum, dues resolution, and consent to electronic transmission forms. Representatives attending the conference may cast their votes up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12. Thank you in advance for your participation!
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In Case You Missed It:
New CASA Program and Exclusive Member Resources
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CASA LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Development)
The CASA LEAD program is a series of initiatives designed to help build a bright future for our sector by taking members to the next level in their profession. The full contours of CASA LEAD will continue to be developed and refined in the months and years to come as we try to do our part in cultivating the next generation of clean water professionals. This year we have developed a specialized LISTSERV to keep members informed of webinars, workshops, trainings, events, and general opportunities for professional development. This LISTSERV will be populated bimonthly with upcoming engagement opportunities in all facets of the clean water industry including biosolids, communications, finance, human resources, regulatory, and more!
We are also initiating our first ever facilitated mentoring program for members (read more about it below!), as well as getting more emerging leaders involved with our conferences, events, and programs. Do you know a shining star in your agency that might benefit from continued growth and professional development opportunities? Be sure to share this resource with them! To get signed up for the newest CASA LISTSERV, please email Cheryl MacKelvie with your name, preferred email, and affiliated agency or association.
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The Inaugural CASA Mentoring Program: A CASA Member Exclusive Benefit
Calling all mentors and mentees! CASA is pleased to introduce our latest and greatest member benefit, the CASA Mentoring Program, which is a new offering under our broader CASA LEAD strategic initiative. This 11-month comprehensive program, kicking off in October and concluding in August 2022, serves to connect clean water professionals from across the state of California. Working with Core Consulting, which has a depth of experience developing mentoring and training programs working with public agencies, CASA will match 12 mentor/mentee pairs based on their professional goals, preferences, and experience. There are limited spots available, and a methodical selection process will be used to ensure diverse representation. Be a part of the inaugural class!
*Registration Closes on August 27*
We anticipate spots to fill quickly, so be sure to apply for the mentoring program today!
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CASA LEAD Complimentary Invites to CASA’s Annual Conference
In support of our new CASA LEAD programming, CASA would like to celebrate those who continue to show commitment and dedication to the important work the wastewater community performs. Is there someone from your organization showing signs of future leadership, or who could be a future leader in the clean water community? CASA would like to honor those emerging leaders by offering complimentary registration to our Annual Conference on August 11-13 in San Diego.
As part of the five-year strategic plan adopted last year, CASA is invested in finding ways to engage and educate young professionals in the sector. It is our hope that providing these complimentary registrations will provide an opportunity for emerging leaders to participate in high level discussions and experiences during the Annual Conference.
With only 3 complimentary passes available, we ask that you only submit one registrant per agency, please. To register an emerging leader from your organization, email Cheryl MacKelvie with the employee’s name, title, and email address by Friday, July 23.
Space is limited on a first come first serve basis so be sure to email Cheryl today!
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Utility Arrearages Relief Package Finalized
On Monday, July 12 the Senate and Assembly revealed their final trailer bill language to implement the $1 billion previously approved by the Legislature to alleviate COVID-related household water utility debt. AB 128 and SB 128 contain identical versions of the utility arrearages implementation provisions. The package is expected to be voted on and passed to the Governor this week. CASA worked closely with a coalition of other water and wastewater associations to ensure that the Legislature ultimately provided both water and wastewater agencies would be eligible to access the relief funds. Once signed by the Governor, the funding will be distributed relatively quickly by the State Water Board. Initially the funding will be distributed proportionally to community water systems based on a survey conducted by the Water Board. If funding remains available beyond the proportional distribution amongst drinking water utilities, it will then be available for wastewater debt. Thank you to all our member agencies who responded to our call to action and reached out to their legislators to request that wastewater agencies remain eligible for this relief. For further information or if you have questions, please contact Jessica Gauger.
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House Passes Comprehensive Infrastructure Investment Legislation
Before recessing for the July 4th holiday, the House of Representatives passed the INVEST Act (H.R. 3684), a $700 billion highway, transit, and bridges bill that also carried clean water and drinking water infrastructure assistance programs, along a nearly party-line vote of 221- 201. The bill is expected to be the basis of what will likely be months of negotiations with the Senate on a final infrastructure bill. The Senate has yet to move forward on a comprehensive infrastructure bill that reflects the $1 trillion infrastructure investment framework agreement reached between a group of twenty Senators and the White House earlier this summer. As a result, congressional negotiations surrounding how to pass comprehensive infrastructure legislation will extend into the fall.
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House Appropriations Committee Advances FY2022 Spending Bills
The House Committee on Appropriations is continuing efforts to advance fiscal year (FY) 2022 spending bills ahead of the October 1 deadline when the new fiscal year begins. Before leaving for the July 4th recess, the committee approved and reported out the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Interior-Environment spending bill on a vote of 32-24. The bill now goes to the House floor for debate and a vote. The Interior-Environment bill is responsible for funding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) water infrastructure and resources programs. In total, the bill funds USEPA at $11.34 billion, which represents an increase of $2.11 billion above enacted FY2021. Additionally, the bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior (USDOI) and provides the department with a total of $15.6 billion, which is an increase of $2.3 billion above FY2021 enacted levels. A detailed breakout of the bill’s programmatic funding provisions is outlined in the committee’s report.
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Central San Gives Maintenance Access Covers a Makeover
To help mark its 75th anniversary, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) is launching a phased beautification project for its maintenance access covers (a.k.a “manholes”). The current cover was a standard template from a foundry and lacked the “Central San” name identifier. In contrast, the new cover highlights Central San’s mission of protecting public health and the environment and reflects the natural beauty of its service area. Created in-house by Central San’s graphics specialist, it features a wetland below a silhouette of Mt. Diablo, along with native plants and wildlife. The goals of the project are to help customers better connect with Central San and the essential service it provides, make it easier to identify the agency responsible for sewer service, and create a positive legacy for the future. Central San maintains about 36,700 maintenance access covers throughout its service area, so replacing them will be an ongoing process—a true legacy project. The plan is to replace 400-500 each year, starting in high visibility/walkability areas. To prevent waste, old covers that are still in good condition will be reused in lower visibility areas until the existing supply is exhausted. Central San also is planning several community engagement activities in conjunction with the new design rollout, including a cover coloring contest and treasure hunt, all to coordinate with their yearlong 75th anniversary celebration.
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EMWD Projects Receive Federal Funding
Two Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) projects have received preliminary federal funding allocations in appropriations legislation, thanks to the diligence of Representatives Ken Calvert and Mark Takano. In the House Appropriations Committee’s FY2022 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies legislation, EMWD’s Quail Valley Septic to Sewer program is slated to receive $2.5 million from Congressman Ken Calvert’s (CA-42nd) request, and its Mead Valley Booster Station project received $1 million from Congressman Mark Takano’s (CA-41st) request. If approved by Congress and signed into law by the President, the funds will be administered through the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grants program. “EMWD is incredibly appreciative of the funding for these two critical infrastructure projects that will benefit our customers,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “We are beyond grateful to Congressmembers Calvert and Takano, as well as their staffs, for working with us throughout this process and recognizing the benefits that these projects will provide to their constituents.” Read more in the full press release.
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City of LA Welcomes New Director and General Manager
LA Sanitation and Environment recently welcomed Barbara Romero as the new Director and General Manager. As former Deputy Mayor of the City of Los Angeles and former Board of Public Works Commissioner, Barbara is no stranger to LASAN. The CASA Staff sends warm congratulations as we look forward to working with Barbara in the future. Read Barbara’s bio here.
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Webinars, Workshops & Events |
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CASA Annual Conference 2021
Join us on August 11-13 for CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel. Register early to lock in the best hotel rates and please be sure to follow the safety guidelines, notices and waivers in place. We hope to see you this August in sunny San Diego!
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ACT EXPO
CASA is proud to participate as an endorsing organization partner of the 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ACT Expo is North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event. Bringing together more than 4,000 stakeholders across the industry for an expansive showcase of the technologies, fuels, policies, and organizations to drive innovation and sustainability on our roadways. The 2021 event will be held August 30 through September 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information is available on the website.
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CASA represents more than 125 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of Wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources. |
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