(December 5, 2017) - NACWA participated in the third annual Jersey Water Works Conference, held in Newark, NJ on December 1.  The conference drew over 300 representatives of the water sector and environmental NGOs, as well as members of the communities they serve. 

The day-long conference featured panels focused on infrastructure investment and setting of priorities for the new gubernatorial administration in New Jersey.  The conference also included the release of Our Water Transformed: An Action Agenda for New Jersey’s Water Infrastructure, an in-depth review of the state’s water infrastructure and the context for improvement. The report also outlines a consensus based action agenda along three lines: robust asset management, stakeholder education, and government funding initiatives.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address from NACWA Board Member, Kishia L. Powell, who serves as Commissioner for the Department of Watershed Management in the City of Atlanta.  Ms. Powell’s address touched on the City of Atlanta’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure with a focus on affordability, resiliency, and equity.   A number of other NACWA members, including Board Member Andy Kricun from Camden County, NJ, also played key roles in the event. 

NACWA participated in this meeting as part of its efforts to foster discussion of how state and regional issues should influence the Association’s national advocacy.  If you are interested in learning more about NACWA’s state and regional efforts, please contact Erica Spitzig, NACWA Deputy General Counsel.