The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is making a bold move to bolster its external affairs, signaling a potential shift in how water utilities engage with their communities and stakeholders. The district has announced a new position: Director of External Affairs. This isn’t just a new job; it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that LVMWD is ready to ramp up its engagement, communication, and strategic partnerships.
LVMWD, serving a population of approximately 70,000 in the western part of Los Angeles County, is no stranger to innovation. The district is in the midst of a 13-year, $466 million infrastructure project to treat recycled water to drinking water standards through the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes-Triunfo. This project, a collaboration with the Triunfo Sanitation District, is a testament to LVMWD’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of water treatment and sustainability.
The new Director of External Affairs will lead the district’s Customer Service, Public Affairs & Communications, Resource Conservation, and Legislative & Governmental Affairs programs. This role is about more than just managing departments; it’s about fostering a culture of engagement and conversation. It’s about ensuring that the community is informed, engaged, and supported in the shared responsibility of maintaining a resilient water future.
The district is looking for a leader who can develop and deliver complex programs, strategic communications, and partnerships. This is a call for someone who can think big, act strategically, and execute effectively. The successful candidate will be integral in developing policy and management recommendations to the Board of Directors, shaping the district’s future.
So, what does this mean for the water sector? It’s a clear indication that LVMWD is prioritizing engagement and communication. It’s a recognition that the future of water management lies not just in infrastructure and technology, but also in community involvement and strategic partnerships. It’s a challenge to other water utilities to up their game in external affairs.
This move could spark a trend in the sector, with more utilities recognizing the value of a dedicated, high-level position for external affairs. It could lead to more innovative engagement strategies, more effective communication, and more strategic partnerships. It could even influence policy, with a greater emphasis on community involvement and stakeholder engagement.
But it’s not just about the sector. This move could have a significant impact on LVMWD’s community. A strong external affairs strategy could lead to better-informed residents, more engaged customers, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for water management. It could also lead to more effective advocacy for water-related issues, with the district better equipped to communicate the importance of water conservation, sustainability, and infrastructure investment.
The water sector is evolving, and LVMWD’s new Director of External Affairs position is a clear sign of that evolution. It’s a call to action for other utilities, a challenge to think bigger, engage more, and communicate better. It’s a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and community involvement. And it’s a step towards a more resilient, sustainable water future.
