Are you an emerging leader ready to make a greater impact on California water policy and management? Applications are now being accepted for the Water Education Foundation’s 2027 California Water Leaders cohort, with submissions due Dec. 3.

Designed for rising professionals in California’s water community, the program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding of water issues, expand their professional network and develop leadership skills alongside a cohort of peers from across the state.

Before you apply:

• Review the program overview and general requirements.
• Visit the application page, paying close attention to frequently asked questions and mandatory program dates to ensure you can fully participate.
• Confirm that you have your organization’s support and can commit the time necessary to partipating in the program.

Interested in learning more? Join our exeuctive director, Jenn Bowles, and other members of the Foundation team for a virtual Q&A session at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. We’ll provide an overview of the program and share tips for submitting a strong application. Sign up here.

Complete application materials, tuition information and additional details are available on the application page.

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available, including one from the Association of California Water Agencies for an employee of a water district that is an ACWA member.

Last Call to Register for Oct. 29 Water Summit

Registration closes Monday for our 2026 Water Summit, taking place next Thursday, Oct. 29, in downtown Sacramento. This year’s theme, Stewarding a New Era in Western Water, will frame a day of conversations about challenges and opportunities shaping water management in California and across the West.

Now in its 42ⁿᵈ year, the Water Summit will gather leading experts and top policymakers to explore emerging issues and innovative approaches to managing the West’s most critical natural resource.

Featured speakers inlcude California Department of Water Resources Director Tom Gibson, former Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman and climate scientist Daniel Swain. View the full agenda here.

We will also announce the recipient of our Rita Schmidt Sudman Award for Excellence in Water Journalism, which recognizes outstanding coverage of water issues in California and the West. Previous recipients include Kurtis Alexander of the San Francisco Chronicle, Lois Henry of SJV Water, Alex Hager of KUNC and Rachel Becker at CalMatters.

The Water Summit is an ideal event for water district managers and board members, state and federal agency officials, city and county government leaders, farmers, environment advocates, attorneys, consultants, engineers, business executives and public interest groups. Register by Monday at 5 p.m. to reserve your spot. Foundation members can take advantage of a $100 discount on registration!

LAST CALL FOR SPONSORS! This event is a prime networking opportunity for the water professionals in attendance and general sponsorship opportunities are still available, but this Friday is the deadline to grab a coveted sponsor spot! View details of the various sponsorship levels and benefits here, and reach out to Patrick Dunlap as soon as possible if your organization is interested.