Arizona is navigating significant uncertainty around water availability, requiring local jurisdictions to fundamentally rethink water use and to assume new leadership roles. Historically, planning for water resources and land use have been conducted separately. Yet the way we build directly impacts our water supply and demand. Communities can “grow water smart” by collaborating to identify and implement strategies that resolve their water resource challenges.
This workshop brings water and land use decision makers in your community together as a team to collaborate on long-term water security. Gain or enhance a range of public engagement, planning, communication, and policy tools to ensure your team and the broader Verde Valley can realize its water conservation, watershed health, and community resilience goals.
Location: Verde Watershed, AZ (Venue TBD)
Date: January 22-24, 2025
Cost: The workshop is free. Participants cover their own travel. Most meals
are provided, as well as lodging for those who need it.
Communities participating in this program gain:
Insight. A better understanding of how land use and climatic trends impact
water supply and demand at local, state, and basin levels.
Flexibility. The strategies and tools to integrate water and land use planning
to better adapt to change and uncertainty.
Clarity. Clear and concise language to communicate critical community goals
around water to gain community and decision maker support.
Collaboration. Regional professional relationships with peers.
A Path Forward. An action plan tailored to your community’s needs.
Since 2020, the Arizona Growing Water Smart Workshop has trained and helped leaders from 28 communities, serving over 44% of Arizona’s residents, to integrate water and land use planning.
Our Growing Water Smart Workshop brings local leaders together to craft action plans. Follow-up Technical Assistance helps implement them. Explore our resources and join the network of Growing Water Smart professionals scaling solutions to Arizona’s water challenges.
Arizona Growing Water Smart Communities
More information can be found here.
Interested in attending an upcoming training or supporting our work?
Send us an email at growingwatersmart@sonoraninstitute.org