On January 26, 2023, the leadership from Alabama state and local government, grassroots organizations, and academic institutions convened to discuss funding opportunities for water and wastewater infrastructure, and the challenges to advance environmental and public health goals in small, rural, and underserved communities. With the Black Belt region of Alabama as the focus of the discussion, attendees shared the successes and challenges their organizations face. The workshop included panel discussions, break-out sessions, and formal presentations, enabling stakeholders to exchange ideas and perspectives.
The Water Finance Exchange (WFX), Consortium for Alabama Rural Water and Wastewater Management (CARWW), and Communities Unlimited hosted more than 90 leaders across the state at the workshop, including representatives from more than 15 communities.
To find out more about learnings and recommendations from the workshop, as well as a call to action for a collaborative path forward read our post-meeting report here.