Introducing CSG West's 2025 Officers and New Committees For the Biennium

Introducing your 2025 CSG West Officers

CSG West is all about putting our members first! With the heavy responsibilities that come with being a state lawmaker, we ensure that your voices are not just heard but celebrated. Our officers are elected annually and rotated to ensure bipartisan balance. Get ready to dive into this coming year where your input shapes the future of our regional priorities. Let’s connect, and drive success for our incredible Western region.

Announcing CSG West's 2025-2026 Committees

CSG West's 2025-2026 Committees are a call for collaboration among state legislators. These committees serve as a vibrant forum where members can tap into a rich reservoir of shared knowledge and innovative ideas, paving the way for transformative changes in our communities. Imagine the impact when lawmakers come together, armed with insights from both peers and esteemed experts, to craft solutions that enhance the quality of governance for all.

By participating in these committees, you are not merely engaging in policy-making; you are becoming a vital part of a movement that prioritizes bipartisan dialogue and collaborative solutions.

Agriculture & Water - Special focus on food supply & security
Education & Workforce Development
Energy & The Grid
Health & Human Services - Special focus on aging populations
Housing
Technology & The Future of Work
Westrends
Wildfires & Disaster Preparation

The urgency of shaping critical regional issues are palpable, and your involvement could be the key to unlocking a brighter future for the West. Don’t just stand by—join us in this exhilarating journey to elevate our communities and fortify our legislative excellence! Contact Martha Castañeda for more details on how to get involved.

CSG West Welcomes the Western Legislative Academy (WLA) Class of 2024 to Colorado Springs This Week

49 rising lawmakers from across the region convene this week in Colorado Springs for the Western Legislative Academy (WLA.)

The WLA serves as a vital sanctuary for newly elected lawmakers seeking to reflect on their skills and potential. In this uniquely nonpartisan space, participants are not merely attendees; they are part of a transformative experience that fosters authentic connections and cultivates a spirit of collaboration that transcends political boundaries.

By participating in the WLA, lawmakers embark on a journey that not only hones their governance skills but also nurtures a profound sense of belonging and shared purpose, reinforcing their commitment to effective leadership and regional collaboration.

Interested in applying for the class of 2025? Contact Will Keyes for more information.

State Legislators Discuss the Future of the Colorado River

The Colorado River system is currently facing a critical situation, with overall storage levels plummeting to just 36%. This urgency underscores the importance of the proposals pending with the Bureau of Reclamation, which aim to establish new operational guidelines designed to enhance the stability and resiliency of this vital water resource.

Recent discussions have highlighted the interconnectedness of energy, water use, and agriculture within the lower Colorado River basin, focusing on innovative solutions such as water banking, diverse energy sources, solar-covered canals, and modern irrigation practices.

Notably, Arizona Senator-elect Tim Dunn has engaged key stakeholders to shed light on the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program, a significant initiative aimed at transforming water use practices and achieving meaningful conservation outcomes.

CSG West stands ready to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among state legislators and policymakers navigating these complex challenges, emphasizing our commitment to providing practical solutions for sustainable water management in the region. Click here to learn more.

Next year the Colorado River Forum meeting will convene in New Mexico under the leadership of Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart. Contact Jackie Tinetti to learn more about how to get involved.

We Loved Seeing all Our Western Leaders at the CSG National Meeting in New Orleans Last Week!

A few highlights from the West during the National Meeting:

Approximately 100 Western government members attended and connected at the CSG West reception.
Award for service to CSG given to Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo
CSG leaders Washington Senator Sam Hunt and Oregon Senator Bill Hansell honored as they retire the legislature after this year.
13 Tolls fellows from our Western region celebrated.
4 leaders praised for their work by CSG's 20 Under 40.

Next December CSG National will be in Chicago, Illinois!

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST www.csgwest.org

CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list.