Following years of leadership in green infrastructure and water advocacy, Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer was invited by New Jersey Future to moderate a panel on Water Affordability at the annual Jersey Water Works member meeting. In addition to water quality, water affordability is a topic is one she has been educating and advocating about in the state, working ever closely with government and utilities, supported by coalition partners, including New Jersey Future.

The event recap is below, including a link to the video of the full panel, courtesy of our Program Manager, Scott Carlin. (Thank you, Scott!)

It was an honor to be invited to the 2025 Jersey Water Works member conference to moderate the panel: Water Affordability: An Action Agenda for a Permanent Low-Income Water Affordability Program in New Jersey. The event brought together advocates, practitioners, and policy leaders to explore the growing challenge of keeping water -a human right-affordable while protecting system integrity and public health. The conversation highlighted how affordability is inseparable from equity, climate resilience, and long-term water security. For our neighbors already under financial strain, these effects are felt the worst. Panelists shared their insights on short and long-term solutions, community centered approaches and the need for more collaboration across sectors. Overall, these discussion will result in relationships that will benefit people experiencing the most hardship. We look forward to deepening these connections as we move forward together.

We invite everyone to check out this panel recording and engage with the thoughtful perspectives shared. We are all grateful to New Jersey Future and those who lead Jersey Water Works for convening this important dialogue and for the opportunity to help guide a conversation that puts people, water and justice at the center.