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When water utility leaders gather for AMWA’s 2020 Water Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. in March to assess the federal landscape in light of unfolding election-year developments, they’ll have the benefit of insights from one of the nation’s most respected political analysts.  Slated as the conference opening speaker is Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report and columnist for the National Journal.

For more than two decades Cook has been Washington’s most trusted – and most accurate – voice on all things political. Using poll numbers, economic indicators, and historical data, he forecasts the fortunes of each party in a balanced, non-partisan manner and furnishes concrete information regarding political and legislative environments.

Cook’s expertise has been featured on the ABC, CBS, and NBC evening news programs, as well as Good Morning America, TODAY, Nightline, Meet the Press, and This Week. He has also been an election night analyst for CNN, CBS, and NBC News and for every presidential election since the 1990s.

Top federal officials are also on the conference agenda to provide news of progress on a host of water issues. Key policy leaders will be invited from EPA to offer the latest information on the agency’s programs and timetables. Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Homeland Security are also expected to contribute perspectives and updates on critical water supply and resilience initiatives.

From the U.S. Congress, Representatives and Senators with water interests and portfolios will be on hand to share their views and plans on the national legislative agenda for infrastructure, sustainability, regulatory oversight, and other issues of concern to drinking water utilities.

When making your conference arrangements, note that the conference begins this year on Monday, March 30 with the Board of Directors meeting, rather than on a Sunday as in past years. Plan to arrive by Monday afternoon to attend the evening welcome reception and reconnect with water industry colleagues.

The 2020 Water Policy Conference will be held at the Washington Court Hotel, within short walking distance of the U.S. Capitol. Attendees are encouraged to make appointments with members of the House and Senate or their staff members to discuss important drinking water policy issues.  AMWA will make briefing papers available electronically and in conference registration packets.