by Southwest EFC | Jun 22, 2026 | Additional Support Organizations, Community Engagement, Emergency Preparedness, Partnerships, Resilience, Technical Assistance
Photo by Vardan Papikyan on Unsplash When it comes to small utility management, partnerships are essential to success. From regional collaboration to community development groups, funding agencies, and media outlets, these relationships can help...
by Southwest EFC | Jun 17, 2026 | Board/Elected Official Engagement, Communications and Outreach, Managerial & Financial Leadership, Utility Management
Photo Credit: ©Krakenimages.com via Adobe Stock Utility professionals are almost always at a knowledge advantage compared to board members. They are very often seen as the most valuable people to help boards inform their decision-making. Most organizations will...
by Southwest EFC | Jun 17, 2026 | Board/Elected Official Engagement, Communications and Outreach, Managerial & Financial Leadership, Utility Management
Photo Credit: ©Jacob Lund via Adobe Stock In preparing for a board meeting, a good place to begin is to clarify what details are useful to someone making decisions about the direction of a system (board of directors) compared to someone responsible for day-to-day...
by Sami Stroud | Jun 12, 2026 | Community Engagement, Compliance with Drinking Water Regulations, Small Water Systems
Image generated by Grok, courtesy of Mike Rivera. Small and rural water system operators across the United States serve as the frontline guardians of public health, often with limited staff and budgets. When water quality issues or violations happen, the federal...
by Sami Stroud | Jun 8, 2026 | Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Wastewater
Solar aerator on a treatment lagoon. Image Credit: Tucker Colvin, Southwest Environmental Finance Center. Small wastewater treatment plants often operate on tight budgets, but strategic, affordable upgrades can significantly boost efficiency, reduce energy costs and...
