By: @Morgan Leskody, Communications Specialist, CSDA
This year, the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) launched a new program in partnership with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). Through this collaborative program, participants took part in two webinars, an in-person guided tour of the Sacramento Area Sewer District, and a closing Strategic Futures Summit featuring panels and networking opportunities. This program connects policymakers, local agency staff, and regional leaders with the people and projects that keep communities running.
The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) tour offered participants a firsthand look at how special districts across the region deliver essential services while balancing innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. For many, it was an eye-opening experience that deepened their appreciation for the breadth and impact of special districts in everyday life, from water and parks to fire protection, utilities, and transit. Prior to the tour, SASD staff made a presentation showing how they provide water service to many Sacramento County residents. This presentation, and the accompanying tour, underscored the interconnected network of collaboration built over time, that helps special districts operate effectively and sustainably.
Collaboration in Action
The partnership between CSDA and SACOG marks the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen regional relationships. Through this program, elected officials and staff from both organizations and their networks gain a clearer understanding of how local governments intersect and support one another in serving residents.
“The Collaborative Planning Series has been a great reminder that our greatest regional strengths come from collaboration. Touring the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility, underscored the value of shared assets that benefit us all,” said Hilary Straus, General Manager of the Citrus Heights Water District. “Many thanks to CSDA and SACOG for organizing a thoughtful program for staff from cities, counties, and special districts across the Sacramento region to network, learn, and identify new ways to work together.”
This year’s tour highlighted standout districts whose projects reflect the innovation and partnership that define the region. The Sacramento Area Sewer District and the Sacramento Suburban Water District showcased how collaboration drives technological advancement, sustainable growth, and community impact. Site visits like these encouraged open dialogue among regional planners, district leaders, and elected officials about shared challenges such as infrastructure funding, sustainability, and workforce development, while providing tangible examples of solutions already in motion.
The Sacramento Area Sewer District, for example, partners with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to convert methane gas generated from solid waste processing into electricity. Surrounding the district’s facilities are Bufferlands that serve as protected habitats for a wide range of wildlife. This highly regarded environmental resource is actively managed by experts who work to restore and preserve the area’s natural ecosystems. To date, more than 35,000 trees have been planted, and over 245 bird species have been documented within the Bufferlands.
When the district faced ongoing maintenance challenges, it pursued an innovative solution: contracting exclusively with a company dedicated to serving the district’s needs, with a built-in option to purchase the company after one year. This forward-thinking arrangement marked a first-of-its-kind strategic move for the district and demonstrated its commitment to creative, long-term problem solving.
These examples highlight the ongoing creativity and collaboration demonstrated by districts.
Building Relationships Beyond the Tour
Beyond the day’s itinerary, the program fostered connections that extend far beyond the bus ride. Participants exchanged contact information, explored collaborative opportunities, and identified overlapping goals that could lead to future partnerships. The true power of this program lies in these connections. Meaningful networking requires participants to engage, share ideas, and think creatively, drawing inspiration from others to implement innovative and strategic solutions in their own communities.
For CSDA, facilitating this dialogue aligns with its mission to support strong, locally governed districts. By creating intentional spaces for shared learning, such as the Collaborative Planning Series with SACOG, CSDA helps bridge gaps between agencies and ensures that special districts remain vital voices in regional planning discussions.
A Model for Regional Collaboration
The success of the inaugural Collaborative Planning Series demonstrates the value of hands-on engagement in strengthening intergovernmental understanding. Participants walked away not only with new information but with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership. As California’s communities continue to evolve, programs like this serve as a reminder that effective governance thrives on cooperation. Whether addressing water management, climate resilience, or community infrastructure, collaboration between regional bodies like SACOG and special districts will remain essential to building sustainable, connected, and thriving communities across the state.
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