Agenda Item No: K.3
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: August 18, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2026-177 PW Vision for our Water Future
Adopting the Vision of Our Water Future as a Member Agency of the Association of California Water Agencies
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Michael Hether, (707) 428-7493
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) serves the water industry and the public by providing leadership and a unified voice for California's public water agencies. Representing more than 470 public agency members, the City of Fairfield has been an ACWA member for over two decades. During this time, Fairfield Municipal Utility (FMU) staff have been actively involved with ACWA by serving on various committees, working groups and boards or both . Vision for Our Water Future is an initiative to elevate water as a top priority for California’s next governor, legislative leadership, and state officials.
DISCUSSION
On March 5, 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 96 -33, authorizing participation in the ACWA to promote collaborative efforts between the City and ACWA. ACWA is the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the United States. As a respected leader on California water issues, ACWA is a driving force in California water policy both in Sacramento and Washington D.C. and serves as the leading voice for their member agencies. Specifically, ACWA engages in tracking and shaping state and federal water policy by advocating for sound legislation and regulation. Additionally, the association assists in facilitating cooperation and consensus among all interest groups.
On March 20, 2026, ACWA’s Board of Directors una nimously adopted the Vision for Our Water Future policy document that defines statewide water priorities to inform engagement with California’s next gubernatorial administration. With a new governor taking office in January 2027, the opportunity to elevate water as a top statewide priority is now. This member-driven initiative situates the City of Fairfield through ACWA, to be in a position of influence of the gubernatorial candidates to advance a unified policy agenda for safe, reliable, and affordable water. Vision for Our Water Future priorities will be a set of recommendations for the next governor, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, sustainable investment and coordinated action across all levels of government to secure California’s water future.
Part of securing the City of Fairfield’s water future requires active engagement with ACWA and partnering agencies. The Vision for Our Water Future will provide an essential framework for the next administration to lead on water issues, protect affordability, deliver critical infrastructure, and modernize water management.
Key priorities include ensuring that safe and reliable water remains affordable, strengthening regulatory, operational, and scientific frameworks to support efficient project delivery, and advancing adaptive water management strategies that improve long -term resilience in the face of changing environmental and water supply conditions.
Water managers across the state are already pursuing local, practical and innovative solutions, but long term, meaningful progress requires a strong state partnership to achieve these shared goals. As a show of support, FMU staff will also send a letter of support with other me mber agencies to advance initiatives as part of the Vision for Our Water Future.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Water Enterprise Fund covers the annual member agency dues, along with attending semi - annual conferences. There is no financial impact on the City for Adopting the Vision of Our Water Future policy.
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose not to adopt the resolution, but doing so would forgo the opportunity to influence water priorities that will inform and engage California’s next Administration.
COORDINATED WITH
N/A
STAFF CONTACT
Michael Hether, Assistant Public Works Director-Utilities (707) 428-7493
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
Attachment 3: Association of California Water Agencies Fact Sheet Attachment 4: Letter of Support for Vision for Our Water Future