State Innovations | US Water Alliance

States are a seedbed for water innovation and can play a central role in helping the water sector recover stronger.

Through the Recovering Stronger initiative, the US Water Alliance will collaborate with regional partners to host listening sessions that explore innovative state policy approaches. The insights will be synthesized into a state policy agenda for recovering stronger, with the goal of spreading promising policies across states.

Download the PDF of the State Innovations Project Description here.

Project Components

Convene Six Regional Listening Sessions

The US Water Alliance will bring together state policymakers and One Water stakeholders for listening sessions in six regions. These sessions will shape and frame the state recovery opportunities in the water sector as well as gather ideas and examples about how states are planning for recovery.

Synthesize Insights in a State Blueprint.

To share the good ideas surfaced during the listening sessions, identify the gaps in existing policy on economic recovery, and promote how new policies can bolster the water sector, this blueprint will outline how states can do their part for a renewed local-state-federal partnership for water. Click here to read the State Blueprint.

Enable Messengers to Spread and Share Key Findings

To help changemakers communicate key findings from the State Innovations project to different audiences, the US Water Alliance developed a Messaging Framework outlining how to craft an effective message. This resource can be used in tandem with the State Blueprint and the Recovering Stronger Knowledge Map to help inspire and engage decision makers and constituents on issues of One Water recovery. Click here to read the Recovering Stronger Messaging Framework.

Recovering Stronger Knowledge Map

Use this digital, geographic tool to learn about the Recovering Stronger policies and programs implemented by water leaders across the nation. More >

State Listening Session Recaps

West Region: Respond, Recover, and Reimagine

The West, and the nation, are facing myriad challenges. Years of devastating climate impacts, like droughts, wildfires, and heat waves, have left many in the West struggling to make ends meet. More >

Midwest Region: Expanding Possibilities

After a devastating year following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, signs of hope are beginning to shine through. More >

Mountain & Southwest Region: Recovery isn’t Zero-sum

Across the Mountain and Southwest region, intersecting crises are driving powerful responses. More >

Mid-Atlantic Region: Harnessing Creativity

The Mid-Atlantic is defined by water—bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and home to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Increasingly, the region is being shaped by severe weather events causing damage from too much water. More >

Northeast Region: Centering Relationships

In the Northeast, challenges in the region are shaping priorities for recovery efforts. Across the region, increasing climate impacts are demonstrating the importance of protecting water resources. More >

South Region: Empowering Communities

The South is a region with considerable leadership in addressing the compounding challenges of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. More >