Aspen National Water Strategy Launched | | |
Water security is fundamental to resilient communities, a strong economy, and a stable climate future. A newly released national strategy from the Aspen Institute outlines a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen America’s water systems — emphasizing that true water security depends on trusted institutions, modern infrastructure, climate-ready communities, and equitable access to water resources.
Dr. Shannon McNeeley, Associate Director of Water and Climate Equity at the Pacific Institute, contributed her expertise to this collaborative effort. Her work helped ensure the strategy reflects the importance of equity, community resilience, and inclusive governance in securing the nation’s water future.
| | Pacific Institute's Cora Snyder Appointed to California Water Plan 2028 Advisory Committee | | |
Cora Snyder, Program Manager at the Pacific Institute, has been appointed by the California Department of Water Resources to serve on the California Water Plan 2028 Advisory Committee.
“It’s an honor to serve on this committee. As a lifelong Californian, I have deep appreciation for the ecosystems, economies, and communities in this state. We all depend on water, and the availability and reliability of our shared water resources are under threat. I look forward to working with DWR, my fellow advisory committee members, and the public to inform a positive path toward water resilience for California.”
| | Corporate Water Stewardship Insights from California Released | | |
How has corporate water stewardship evolved over the years and what needs to change to meet today’s water risks?
Our new white paper, “Advancing Corporate Water Stewardship: Insights from the California Experience,” looks at two decades of progress, lessons learned, and what’s needed next to deliver impact at scale.
Developed in partnership with LimnoTech and Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), this paper is part of Pacific Institute’s work as manager of the California Water Resilience Initiative.
| | New Biodiversity Accounting Guidance Released | | |
New resource, "Biodiversity Benefit Accounting Guidance for Quantifying and Evaluating the Biodiversity Benefits of Water Stewardship Projects" helps companies move beyond water risk mitigation and integrate biodiversity into corporate water stewardship projects with clarity and credibility.
This guidance was created by the Pacific Institute, the CEO Water Mandate, LimnoTech, The Nature Conservancy, and SecondNature.
| | |
Apply Today: Catalyze Water Efficiency Investments | | |
Are you a Water Manager, or part of a drinking water provider in California or Colorado seeking to scale the impact of your water efficiency program?
The WaterNow Alliance and Pacific Institute’s joint Accelerator program is designed to support utilities seeking to increase investments in water efficiency investments through debt financing. Selected participants receive up to 9 months of pro bono technical assistance.
Apply today and learn more and see if your organization is eligible.
| | Pacific Institute Chief Research and Program Officer Heather Cooley Reflects on 2025 and Looks Ahead to 2026 | | |
New blog from Pacific Institute Chief Research and Program Officer Heather Cooley reflected on 2025 as a year in which water risks intensified globally, with rising conflict risks, infrastructure strain, and worsening climate impacts.
The piece highlights growing collaboration and recognition that water security underpins both community resilience and economic stability.
| | Pacific Institute President Jason Morrison Talks World Economic Forum | | |
New blog from Pacific Institute President and CEO Water Mandate Head, Jason Morrison, covers highlights from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
It captures the progress shared, partnerships announced, and priorities shaping the next phase of collective business action on water resilience because one thing is clear: water risk is a business risk, and addressing it requires coordinated, strategic action at scale.
| | Webinar Recap: Ensuring Law and Policy Enables Climate Resilient Water and Wastewater Infrastructure | | |
A Pacific Institute and Center for Water Security and Cooperation webinar examined how legal and policy frameworks can support climate-resilient water and wastewater infrastructure, drawing on findings from recent research produced with the Center for Water Security and Cooperation.
The session explored how existing U.S. laws either enable or hinder equitable, climate-ready water systems.
| | |
March 6 | Shannon Spurlock to be Featured at the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute's 2026 Western Places Western Spaces Conference
Pacific Institute Senior Engagement Specialist Shannon Spurlock will be featured at the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute's 2026 Western Places | Western Spaces Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Her session will highlight “Integrating Rainwater Harvesting & Stormwater into Colorado's Water Future."
| | |
March 27 | Heather Cooley to be Featured at Bioneers Conference
Pacific Institute Chief Research and Program Officer Heather Cooley will be featured at the Bioneers Conference in Berkley, California. The conference convenes leaders who are shaping solutions to address the most critical issues of our time.
Her event, "Fighting for the Human Right to Water in the U.S." will bring together water justice activists from across the country who will share on-the-ground stories, policy insights, and emerging models for change and explore what it will take to finally realize the human right to water for all.
| | Support the Pacific Institute | | | | |
