Public Service In and Out of the Office

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)

Established: 1918
Location: Coachella Valley, CA
Size: 491 employees meeting the water-related needs of approximately 300,000 people over a 1,000 square-mile area
Annual Budget: $218 million operating budget and $63 million capital improvement budget
Website: www.cvwd.org

For seven years in a row, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has been awarded the United Way’s Workplace Campaign Platinum Award for their significant pledges to the United Way organization. These pledges come from the district staff’s paychecks and fund services to meet the needs of local residents. Even in the midst of a troubled economy, district staff has maintained their generosity, contributing tens of thousands of dollars annually to provide aid to others who need it. CVWD is an excellent example of a district serving the public both in and out of the office. California Special District asked CVWD to explain the program and how it benefits the community.

What is the United Way program your office takes part in? How does the program work?
CVWD employees donate more than $60,000 annually to the United Way of the Desert through the Employee Workplace Campaign. The campaign encourages employees to make a one-time gift or to donate throughout the year through a payroll deduction. An employee committee promotes the campaign throughout the year. Additionally, district employees and retirees organize a yearly bowling tournament to raise funds.

When did Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) begin taking part in this program?
CVWD started participating in the United Way of the Desert campaign in 1982.

CVWD has been awarded the United Way’s Workplace Campaign Platinum Award for seven years in a row. What is this award and how did CVWD earn it?
Platinum Awards are given to organizations in which the total donation averages $100 or more per employee. In 2009, CVWD’s 525 employees donated $69,000 through payroll deductions and an annual fund-raising bowling tournament. For 2010, the district’s smaller force of 491 employees has pledged to contribute an impressive $60,500 through payroll deductions.

The last few years have been trying for the economy, and special districts have been hit by the state budget woes. Has staff maintained their pledges even during this period of economic decline?
State budget woes and a weak economy have hit Coachella Valley Water District the same as other special districts. For the 2009-10 fiscal year, employees gave up their cost of living pay increase and a freeze was placed on all merit increases. Despite that, employee generosity has remained strong. I think this illustrates how the civic-minded responsibility of special districts carries over to employees’ personal lives. As public servants, our employees are actively involved in their community outside of work.

Where/what does the pledged money go to?
All funds are used to support the needs of local residents through 25 non-profit agencies specializing in youth, family and health care needs, including FIND food bank, Shelter From the Storm’s domestic violence shelter, Boys and Girls Club programs, Family YMCA of the Desert’s child care and summer camp programs, low-cost cancer screening and treatment from Desert Cancer Foundation and home health care services from Visiting Nurse Association.

Are there any other programs CVWD takes part in to help the community?
CVWD employees voluntarily participate in annual fund-raising walks for the American Heart Association, Desert AIDS Project and Diabetes Association. Money is collected to provide Thanksgiving Day dinners to residents at the Shelter From the Storm domestic violence shelter and two blood drives are held annually.