California Special Districts Association

This week we recognize the finance professionals who safeguard public funds, ensure transparency, and support the long-term financial health of our local communities. #GovernmentFinanceProfessionalsWeek

Big news for America’s special districts! 🇺🇸 Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed the Special Districts Fairness and Accessibility Act of 2026 (H.R. 2766), advancing legislation that would establish the first-ever federal definition of special districts in U.S. law. This is an important step toward ensuring nearly 40,000 special districts across the country are clearly recognized as units of local government delivering essential services such as water, fire protection, healthcare, parks, and transportation. NSDA thanks bill champions @RepPatFallon (R-TX) and U.S. Rep Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) (@RepPettersen) for their leadership and looks forward to continued bipartisan progress as the bill moves to the House floor. #SpecialDistricts #LocalGovernment #NSDAdistricts #LocalControl youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ_MB6…

Congratulations to Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District on receiving $1M in federal funding for roadways serving the cemetery grounds and Veterans Memorial. “I’m proud to bring these resources home,” said @RepRaulRuizMD “and I’ll keep fighting for investments that make life more affordable for working people.”

🚨 ACTION ALERT: H.R. 2766 Mark-Up Scheduled – March 18, 2026 The House Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform has scheduled a mark-up hearing for the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (H.R. 2766) on March 18, 2026. The hearing is expected to start around 10 a.m. 🔹 What You Can Do: We strongly encourage special districts, associations, and supporters to contact the Congressional offices of members on the House Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform this week to express support for H.R 2766. #NSDAdistricts

We are grateful for the leadership of NSDA’s national executive committee. Representing three statewide special district associations, these trusted leaders bring more than 60 years of combined experience in executive special district governance and association management. Meet the NSDA Executive Committee: nationalspecialdistricts.org/executive-comm… #NSDAdistricts

West Valley Water District (@MyWVWD) has secured over $1 million in community project funding through @RepPeteAguilar to strengthen critical water infrastructure and support key resiliency initiatives. This investment will modernize the District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, enhancing real-time monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and overall reliability for the more than 100,000 customers WVWD serves. Congratulations!

Great turnout at the Special Districts Association of Riverside County luncheon last week! The discussion focused on #SB707 and the Brown Act, with thoughtful conversation about how recent updates affect transparency, remote meetings, and public participation for local agencies. It was encouraging to see board members, staff, and community leaders engaging in meaningful dialogue about maintaining open government while adapting to evolving requirements. Appreciate everyone who shared their insights and continues to support transparency, accountability, and strong service to our communities.

MVCAC is partnering for Special Districts Legislative Days! April 7-8, 2026 in Sacramento. Advocate on CEQA, infrastructure funding, Brown Act, AI, emergency prep & more. Early Bird ends March 6—register now! ow.ly/pTk250YpkZ8 #SpecialDistricts #CAleg @CSDAdistricts

👏 Congratulations to @southcoastwater! 💧The agency has received the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies’ 2025 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance — a national honor! Learn more: picketfencemedia.com/sanclementetim… #DistrictsMakeTheDifference #CA

CSDA’s Kyle Packham had the privilege of presenting to a packed ballroom of special district, city, and other municipal finance officers last week with Ben Triffo of @CalCities and leading local government funding expert, Michael Coleman.

Thanks to all the districts that participated! ✔️ Tri-City Medical Center (@TriCityMedCtr) ✔️ Vista Fire Protection District ✔️ Santa Fe Irrigation District (@SFID) ✔️ Olivenhain Municipal Water District (@OMWD) ✔️ Fallbrook Public Utility District (@fallbrookwater) ✔️ Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County

Great meeting today with the Office of @RepMikeLevin and our local special districts to discuss the impact of H.R. 2766, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act! For too long, these vital local agencies — which provide everything from fire protection and clean water to healthcare — have been overlooked in federal law. This bipartisan bill, led by @RepPatFallon (R-TX) and @RepPettersen (D-CO), would finally establish a formal federal definition for special districts. Why it matters: Fair Access: Ensures our 40,000+ special districts are recognized as local governments, giving them a "seat at the table" for federal grants and financial assistance. Essential Services: Helps secure the resources needed to keep our community’s infrastructure strong and our vital services running smoothly. Local Control: Empowers the agencies that know our community's unique needs best. #DistrictsAdvocate

Leaders from Vista Fire Protection District, @NorthCountyFire Protection District, Vista Irrigation District and Fallbrook Regional Health District met with the Office of @AsmLaurieDavies to discuss the critical issues facing North County San Diego. From ensuring long-term water reliability and enhancing wildfire preparedness to expanding access to quality local healthcare, these districts are working together to advocate for the resources our communities needs most. Productive conversations like these are essential for building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future. Thank you to Assembly Member Davies’ team for listening to our local service specialists and supporting the essential services that keep our neighborhoods thriving! #DistrictsAdvocate

This April 7–8 in Sacramento, local leaders from all types of special districts across #CA will come together for Special District Legislative Days — a chance to meet with policymakers and Capitol staff to advocate for the communities they serve. This year’s priorities include revenue for infrastructure, public works planning, permitting and contracting, emergency preparedness and response, and more. Learn more here: legislativedays.csda.net

Great discussion at the San Diego County Special Districts event! The focus was AI Best Practices – responsible implementation, data security, transparency, and practical applications for local agencies. Exciting to see leaders exploring how AI can improve efficiency and service while staying grounded in strong governance and ethical standards. Appreciate everyone who shared ideas and real-world experiences. The future of innovation in public service is here.

We are excited to see students submitting videos showcasing how special districts make a difference in their communities. The #StudentVideoContest is in full swing, and submissions are open until March 31, 2026. Learn more: districtsmakethedifference.org/video-contest #DistrictsMakeTheDifference

✨ CSDA Subject Matter Expert: Emily Barnett Emily Barnett has spent over a decade as Communications & Government Relations Manager at Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (@CentralSan). Her experience also includes PG&E (@PGE4Me) and the California State Senate, where she worked with public utilities, elected officials, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Her expertise spans: ✔️ Customer education & engagement ✔️ Government transparency & accessibility ✔️ Household hazardous waste – a national model ✔️ New water reuse regulations ✔️ PFAS and emerging concerns ✔️ Serving a changing demographic ✔️ Expanding recycled water opportunities Outside of work, Emily is a licensed pilot, car enthusiast, and serves on her county’s airport advisory committee — advocating for more women in aviation. Thank you, Emily, for your leadership in policy and innovation for #CASpecialDistricts!

Thank you to @RepJoshHarder for meeting with local special districts in San Joaquin County yesterday! Thank you to the following districts for participating: ✔️ Tracy Rural Fire Protection District ✔️ South San Joaquin Irrigation District ✔️ Oakdale Irrigation District ✔️ San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District ✔️Stockton Port District #DistrictsAdvocate @JoshHarder