This session is designed to empower leaders with new connections and actionable knowledge to strengthen their agencies and communities. Utility leaders are invited to engage in a peer-to-peer exchange of ideas, challenges, and cutting-edge strategies across critical areas of water management. Through facilitated table discussions, participants will explore topics such as climate resilience, community engagement, and recovering resources. The goal of each table discussion is to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and share real-world solutions.  

Facilitator: MWRD President Kari K. Steele 

Table 1: Climate Resilience & Flood Mitigation (Space to Grow) 

• Exploring green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, and watershed-level planning
• Collaborative strategies for flood-prone neighborhoods

Table 2: Water Quality Innovation 

• Advances in nutrient recovery and pollutant reduction
• Real-time monitoring technology and smart water management

Table 3: Resource Recovery

• Turning waste streams into revenue: biosolids, biogas, phosphorus
• Partnerships with industry to scale recovery solutions

Table 4: Community Engagement and Global Knowledge Exchange 

• Best practices in giving presentations
• The role of Community Partnership Councils 

Table 5: Environmental Justice & Community Partnerships 

• Equitable access and inclusive project planning
• Strengthening engagement with communities
• Incorporating workforce development initiatives to engage community partners

Table 6: Policy & Regulatory Foresight

• Navigating state and federal shifts in funding resources
• Addressing emerging contaminants