Overview:
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Networking, Breakfast, Registration
10:00 am - 10:15 am: Welcome & Introduction
10:15 am - 11:05 am: Panel 1
11:05 am - 11:15 am: Networking Break
11:15 am - 12:05 pm: Panel 2
12:05 pm - 12:50 pm: Lunch & Networking
12:50 pm - 1:05 pm: Lunchtime Speaker
1:05 pm - 1:55 pm: Panel 3
1:55 pm - 2:00 pm: Close
Panel 1: What actions can you take to transform water system governance to empower and bring progress to Latino communities?
Description: What communities are not being represented within Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs)? What efforts are being made to gather community input and participation in water supply planning? What are the challenges of mobilizing communities to engage in water resource planning? Panelists will discuss the need for increased representation on boards to ensure leadership is reflective of the community. They will also discuss ways to increase community involvement in water decision-making processes. Join the conversation to explore how a more inclusive approach to governance can lead to impactful, positive changes in the Central Valley's water landscape.
Panel 2: How can Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) support sustainable and equitable groundwater management throughout the San Joaquin Valley?
Description: After Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) are initially evaluated, what opportunities are available to help GSAs either meet compliance requirements or implement their plans? What are the barriers to implementing GSPs? What financial resources are available for landowners and cities to support conservation strategies? In this panel, experts and stakeholders will delve into the intricate landscape of water governance, management, and sustainability for implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Panelists will also share their perspectives on key opportunities to set a visionary course for the San Joaquin Valley’s water landscape.
Panel 3: How can we support residents impacted by land retirement and the resulting changes on our economies?
Description: Experts have estimated that between 500,000 to 1 million acres of land will need to be retired during implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). What water conservation strategies can be implemented to mitigate the economic impacts of SGMA on our agricultural industry? How can we repurpose irrigated land to support local economies and workforces impacted by these changes? Panelists will highlight how collaboration between various stakeholders can drive impactful change, allowing those stakeholders to tackle issues related to community water systems and governance while protecting vulnerable communities and the environment.
Guest Speaker: Changing the Landscape of the Valley: Policy Changes to Fund Water Projects
Description: What policy changes to Prop 218 are needed to create effective change to water management? What constraints does Prop 218 have on providing aid to low-income residents and to the implementation of conservation projects? The guest speaker will discuss critical changes needed to existing policy and alternative solutions.
