Historical Water Forum 2050 Agreement Signed

From the Sacramento Water Forum:

Leaders from across the Sacramento region gathered May 11th at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts to celebrate the signing of the Water Forum 2050 Agreement, marking a major milestone in the region’s long-standing collaborative approach to water management.

The updated agreement builds on the original 2000 Water Forum Agreement and continues the region’s commitment to two coequal objectives: providing a reliable water supply for the region’s economy and communities while protecting the fishery, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the Lower American River.

Representatives from water suppliers, environmental organizations, business groups, and public agencies participated in the event, which featured keynote remarks from California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and recognition of the individuals who helped shape both the original agreement and the Water Forum 2050 process.

“Water Forum 2050 demonstrates what is possible when diverse interests stay at the table and work toward shared solutions,” said Water Forum Executive Director Ashlee Casey. “At a time when climate change is placing increasing pressure on California’s water systems and rivers, this agreement reflects a continued regional commitment to collaboration, adaptation, and stewardship of the Lower American River.”

The Water Forum process began in the 1990s in response to growing concerns about the health of the Lower American River, water supply reliability, and groundwater declines. Since the original agreement was signed in 2000, the region has invested in major water supply and habitat enhancement projects while avoiding the conflicts and litigation that often accompany water management issues in California.

The Water Forum 2050 Agreement updates and extends that collaborative framework in response to new challenges driven by climate change, including hotter temperatures, shrinking snowpack, more intense droughts and floods, and increasing pressure on river ecosystems.

“California faces growing water challenges driven by climate change, and the Sacramento region continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration and long-term planning with a multi-benefit approach,” Crowfoot said. “The Water Forum 2050 Agreement reflects the kind of regional leadership and partnership that will be essential to protecting water supplies, supporting healthy rivers, and preparing communities for the future.”

A key component of the updated agreement is the American River Climate Adaptation Program (ARCAP), a regional strategy intended to improve water management flexibility and protect cold water in the Lower American River during critically dry periods. ARCAP will strive to connect conservation, groundwater recharge, reservoir operations, and regional infrastructure projects into a coordinated system supporting both water supply reliability and environmental stewardship.

“The Water Forum has helped create a foundation of trust and transparency that allows this region to respond to challenges together,” Casey said. “Now the focus turns to implementation—continuing the work needed to strengthen water supply reliability, protect the Lower American River, and prepare the region for a changing climate.”

Congratulations to Assistant General Manager, Matt Underwood! 

The Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote and recognize excellence in the governance and management of special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. Their vision is that every special district in California has well trained, knowledgeable decision-makers and engages the public through a transparent process. The SDLF is associated with the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) as a supported entity that promotes good governance through programs and certifications for special districts. CSDA supports the SDLF's activities, and the SDLF in turn partners with CSDA on initiatives.

The SDLF's Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) is a voluntary designation sought by individuals who strive to be the best. Managers with various academic and professional backgrounds, as well as from all sizes of special districts, can be candidates for the program.

The certification examination and study guide were developed through the participation of over 100 volunteer subject matter experts. Guided by the SDLF Board, Certification Advisory Committee, and under direction by a professional examination development firm, this certification gives successful candidates recognition unmatched by any other program.

To qualify for the examination, a candidate must have worked three out of the last five years in a position of management in a California special district. A total of 400 points is required to qualify for the opportunity to take the examination, to be obtained through professional special district and related work experience, continuing education courses, higher education background, and community service.

This certification helps document and recognize a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities as a CSDM. The two-hour examination requires a score of 70 or more to pass and consists of 100 total questions that cover all key aspects of special district management, including:

• Governance
• Legal Requirements
• Policy Development
• Ethics in Public Service
• Strategic Planning
• Public & Customer Relations
• Organization
• Budget and Finance
• Personnel and Supervision

Assistant General Manager Matt Underwood (AGM Underwood) submitted an application to take the CSDM examination and received notification on July 22, 2025, that his application had been approved. AGM Underwood successfully passed the CSDM examination on August 5, 2025.

The CSDM Certification is valid for four years and requires completion of 75 continuing education points for renewal of each 4-year period.

CSDA Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator, Dane Wadle, attended our Board meeting on December 15, 2025, to present AGM Underwood with his CSDM plaque.

California has approximately 3,300 special districts, and there are only 81 Certified Special District Managers among all of those districts!

Congratulations to Operations Manager, Mike!

Mike becomes the 14th member of Sacramento Suburban Water District to graduate from the the Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program (Program). The Program is designed as a one-year, robust program that focuses on providing senior leaders with expanded skills to create a positive, engaged workplace. The Program is specifically formulated to help participants lead effectively across three leadership spectrums: Self-Leadership, Team Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.

The Program’s method of delivery is “blended,” i.e., in-person (classroom) and virtual (webinar). Both methods are instructor-led with practical application tied to proven theories, guided discussions, experiential activities, and back-at-work action to transfer what is learned to the workplace. Delivery elements include:

• Performance-based curriculum: Instructor-led training incorporates elements such as guided discussions, experiential exercises, case studies, small group activities, and back-at-work action planning. Participant engagement is maximized.
• Personal Assessments: Participants complete tools to provide them insight and feedback on their leadership style, strengths, and challenges.

JPIA has nearly 400 member agencies statewide. Since its inception in 2015, approximately 214 participants have graduated from the Program, 14 of which were District staff, the most from any JPIA member agency.