Best Best & Krieger LLP is proud to participate in the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) 2025 Fall Conference & Expo, taking place December 3–5 in San Diego. The annual event brings together water leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss the most pressing issues affecting California’s water future.

BBK attorneys will share their insight across several conference sessions, addressing key topics in water law, infrastructure funding, procurement, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and resource management. The first day of the conference will kick off with Partner Craig Hayes providing insight on innovative procurement and financing models that enable public agencies to integrate renewable energy into essential water operations. On day two, Partner and Director of Government Affairs Ana Schwab will discuss the emerging potential of deep-sea desalination as an innovative solution for sustainable water supply. Partner Lutfi Kharuf will lead the Attorney Program on the last day of the conference offering legal and practical insights into developing compliant, sustainable funding mechanisms to support SGMA implementation and groundwater resource management. Then Assistant Directors of Government Affairs Madeline Voitier and Christopher Keosian will co-present on the evolving federal funding opportunities and regulations impacting infrastructure investment, highlighting strategies for public agencies to secure and manage critical water infrastructure financing.

Be sure to also check out BBK’s booth #109 in the exhibit hall to learn more about the resources available to you.

BBK Speakers

Craig Hayes
“Procurement Pathways for Powering Water Infrastructure”
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 pm

Ana Schwab
“A New Wave: Rethinking Water Supply Through Deep-Sea Desalination”
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
1:30 – 2:00 pm

Lutfi Kharuf
“Attorney Program - Funding the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)”
Thursday, December 4, 2025
9:00 - 10:15 am

Madeline Voitier and Christopher Keosian
“A Watershed Moment: Navigating Infrastructure Funding in a Shifting Federal Landscape”
Thursday, December 4, 2025
12:00 – 1:30 pm