Letter from the Director
Each year’s Legislative Session has defining moments, and the 2026 Legislative Session was no different from its predecessors. Elected officials from across the state grappled with the affordability crisis, health care and new housing development, all of which were compounded by the increasing effects of our changing weather patterns. The most contentious battles between Legislators and lobbyists this year rested between a need and desire for review and oversight across programs, and the recognition that the associated costs had a clear and undeniable economic impact for priority natural resources issues.
Governor Newsom’s last session prior to his expected run for the 2028 Presidential Election threw another complex dynamic into the mix, as the Administration sought to deliver big on promises the Governor made throughout his two terms. This including the much-anticipated Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta Plan Update and additional measures to increase California’s preparedness for a changing climate in his Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future. It also included a contentious battle over a wildfire package that resulted in tense back-and-forth with the Legislature and threats of a special session to tackle the growing challenges of wildfire response and preparedness.
Despite the many heightened issues the Legislature faced in the natural resources space, one thing was certain this year: the State is in critical need of solutions that contribute together to the affordable, economically powerful and climate-smart California that we all envision and work towards. Fortunately, the Sacramento Valley’s greatest assets in these times are our leadership and drive to implement workable solutions, our efforts to enhance collaboration, and our unwavering commitment to care for our Valley for its future generations.
At Northern California Water this legislative session was about bringing our shared Vision for a Vibrant Future in the Sacramento Valley to the State-wide stage. In our advocacy on budget, water and agricultural policy, and even in our own co-sponsored bill AB 2026 (Aguiar-Curry), Northern California Water brought our Valley’s spirit to the table and produced real thoughtful solutions to the State’s most pressing natural resource problems. Our work connected the Legislature (and most importantly, their Capitol Staffers) to the work of our farmers, water managers, engineers and community leaders. As you will see below, we sponsored and supported bills helping our region, we opposed bills that are counter to our work, and we work with many partners to improve bills through the process. For all the bills, we showcased the incredible innovation of our region and established to the Capitol that when Sacramento needs solutions, our Valley has them in spades.
I have immense gratitude for our legislative delegation and for their work to advance our solutions and our requests forward with their colleagues, and to the many managers at Northern California Water who contributed their time and resources to our Legislative Priorities. It was truly a pleasure this year to work with you on our shared Vision, and to represent you to the Legislators who are eager to see our Vision advance with us. It is these relationships that make our Valley unique, and this perspective that will see us into a bright and vibrant future in the Sacramento Valley.
Kam Bezdek
Legislative Affairs Director
If you have additional thoughts on our legislative work, we would appreciate your ideas. Please share them with us at info@norcalwater.org.
