Co-created by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Raftelis, the Workforce Development Case Study Series: Building the Future Water Workforce is a dynamic initiative spotlighting innovative workforce strategies from water and wastewater utilities across the United States. Through monthly webcasts from December 2025 to March 2026, the series will showcase small, medium, and large utilities implementing best practices in recruitment, retention, technology integration, and leadership development. Each webcast will feature real-world case studies and utility leaders sharing actionable insights to help build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforces. The series will culminate in a recognition event and leadership roundtable at the Utility Management Conference in March 2026, fostering peer exchange and collaboration across the sector.

Tell us which utilities to feature! Please nominate utilities who are doing impactful and  innovative efforts in these areas via our online submission form: https://forms.office.com/r/cveTXnxgLS

Webcast Event Description:

"Recruitment Strategies, Talent Pipelines, Equity and Inclusion" will explore how utilities are attracting new talent and building inclusive pathways into the water workforce. Participants will hear from utility leaders who are implementing innovative outreach, education, and hiring practices to strengthen their recruitment efforts and diversify their teams. Attendees at this webcast will:

• Discover how utilities are partnering with schools and community organizations to build robust talent pipelines.
• Explore inclusive hiring practices and how utilities are adapting job descriptions and outreach to reach broader audiences.
• Hear success stories from utilities that have improved recruitment outcomes through targeted equity and inclusion initiatives.

Time: TBD
Location: Little Hats Market
Address: 1120 4th Ave N #101, Nashville, TN 37208

For more details contact Chapter Leads: Leeann Johnston Leeann.Johnston@bargedesign.com   and Abigail Reynolds Abigail.Reynolds@bargedesign.com  

Young Professionals Summit 2026
The Next Wave: Navigating Water Sector Currents

Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC, March 22-24, 2026

The WEF/AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Summit is the premier water and wastewater industry workshop for young professionals. This standout event gives YPs the opportunity to develop your leaderships skills and industry knowledge. With over 400 water sector participants, you will be able to both learn from each other and create a diverse network to support your evolving career path.

For Registration Details Click Here. 

The National Water Policy Fly-In will take place April 14 - 15, 2026. On Tuesday, attendees will gather to network and hear from key senior EPA and other government officials, and round out the day with friends and colleagues at the 2026 Water Week Reception. Wednesday will be reserved for attendees to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

Click HERE to Register