ANNOUNCEMENTS

The CSG West Nominating Committee is currently accepting applications from Western legislators interested in serving as an officer of CSG West. The position of 2026 Vice Chair is open. The legislator elected by the Executive Committee will advance to serve as Chair in 2028.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be members of the CSG West Executive Committee.
• To ensure political balance among CSG West Officers, the Nominating Committee will be interviewing Republican legislators this year.
• Legislators not aligned with either major political party are welcome to apply and will be considered.
• Complete the online application by Tuesday, September 2.
• Submit a minimum of one letter of support from your legislative leadership and/or other members endorsing your interest in this role.

Please submit your biography and letter(s) of support by either of the following methods:

1. Upload them directly to the online application below; or
2. Email them to CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz at eruiz@csg.org.

We’re excited to work alongside our next Vice Chair to help advance CSG West’s mission and impact!

WATER IN THE WEST

Rapid snowmelt across the Western U.S. has caused snowpack to disappear up to four weeks early in some areas, quickly shifting conditions in parts of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico from above average to “snow drought.” The early melt has also led to reduced water supply forecasts for the Colorado River Basin.

Read the full update from the Water Education Foundation for more details: Rapid Snowmelt Threatens U.S. Water Supply Outlook

Lake Shasta Hits Capacity for Third Year, Boosting California Water Outlook

Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir, has reached full capacity for the third consecutive year, thanks to an unusual streak of wet winters. This bodes well for the state's water supply, especially for cities and agriculture served by the Central Valley Project.

Read more from the Water Education Foundation for full details: California’s Biggest Reservoir Reaches Capacity for Third Straight Year

RECENT EVENTS

Justin Currie (left) and CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz

Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration: Canadian Officer Visits CSG West

Justin Currie, Senior Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Officer with the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco–Silicon Valley, recently visited the CSG West office in Sacramento. CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz, Director of Policy and International Programs Martha Castañeda, and Legislative Training Program Manager Will Keyse connected with Justin for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of U.S.–Canada relationship and the upcoming CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, which will include sessions on tariffs, trade, and cross-border collaboration between Western states and Canadian provinces.

CSG West thanks Justin for the engaging conversation and looks forward to welcoming our Canadian partners  at this summer’s annual meeting for continued dialogue on these important issues.

Registration is open for the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming. Secure your spot today!

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST

www.csgwest.org