Conference to Address Timely Wildfire Challenges
Last week, devastating fires again struck California. With the impacts of continuing drought and climate change, we can expect similar challenges in the future. Are you ready if a wildfire strikes your service area?
Join your colleagues in Palm Springs January 24-26 to learn from Santa Rosa and Southern California water managers about overcoming water supply, water quality and public safety challenges caused by wildfires. Our conference, themed “Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Rest,” will address other aspects of disaster preparedness including earthquake, cyber security and more. 

Happy Holidays from CASA!
Legislative and Regulatory Updates
Advocacy Needed to Support Advance Refunding of Municipal Bonds
Both the House and Senate versions of the tax reform legislation currently in conference maintain the tax-exemption for municipal bonds. That’s the good news. However, both bills would repeal municipal bond advance refunding. The Public Finance Network sent a  letter last week asking that conferees provide for an advance refund transition period – such as a one-year delay in the AR repeal effective date, or a grandfathering in of outstanding bonds. We encourage you to consider sending a similar letter to your congressional representatives expressing your local concerns. Time is of the essence as Congress conferences the two bills in the coming days.
CASA Advocates for Improvements to the SRF Loan Program
On December 5, the State Water Board staff presented results and outcomes from a series of stakeholder workshops held this summer. Three proposals received strong stakeholder support: retroactive construction funding, partial project funding and establishment of an annual funding target.
Industry News
Berkeley Lab Completes Food Waste-to-Energy Study
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab recently completed a study on the potential use of food waste to create energy. The study also includes an assessment of available capacity at existing wastewater and other digesters. CASA’s Greg Kester contributed to the report. Key findings estimate a potential monthly electricity generation of 420 to 700 megawatts from the conversion of gross food waste using a combination of anaerobic digestion and combustion.
The Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Survey
The Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center is conducting a survey of California wastewater managers, who will receive an e-mail this week to participate in the online survey. The information gathered from this CASA supported survey will inform a public document that will highlight how California’s wastewater sector can better prepare for and respond to drought, changing water demands, and climatic and regulatory conditions. If you have any questions or would like more information on the research please contact Caitrin Chappelle .
Introducing California’s First Water Internship Job Board
The California Water Environment Association launched California's first and only website dedicated to water internships. The site provides students and people new to the water profession with information about internships and apprenticeship programs at California water utilities and engineering firms. Join a free webinar December 14 at 11 a.m. to learn how to use the job board. 
Member News
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Inaugurated into the Leading Utilities of the World
Congratulations to Central Contra Costa Sanitary District! The Leading Utilities of the World recently inaugurated the district into its network of 22 of the world's most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities. 
Communication Toolkit for Your 2018 Planning
Are you underway with your 2018 strategic communications planning? If so, be sure to check our website for resources you can use. You’ll find a communication toolkit packed with tips and best practices for open houses, social media, media relations, crisis communications, campaign development and more. 
Mark Your Calendar
January 24-26
February 14
February 26-28
April 11
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