In light of increasing development and ever-changing future conditions, increasingly stressed infrastructure, and growing financial pressures, integrating hazard mitigation and water quality-focused resource management is becoming more and more important to the success of water systems and other public-serving entities. While finance and budgeting is often considered a last step in developing a project or program, incorporating a financing strategy early on in any planning process can help ensure long-term project success. In this webinar, we will provide a strategies for incorporating funding and financial strategies into integrated plans and explore various solutions for how local communities can pay for water resource project. Presented by: Matthew Konfirst, Physical Scientist, US EPA Region 3 State & Watershed Partnerships Section (3WD31)

Essential workers, including water operators, require support and protection during the pandemic. At the same time, COVID-19 brings into sharp focus the need to develop the infrastructure workforce for a resilient future. This 1-hour webinar will include a brief overview of long-term economic, workforce, and infrastructure investment trends, and include a facilitated discussion of participant questions with a subject matter expert. Presenter: Joseph W. Kane, Senior Research Associate and Associate Fellow – Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC