With Board members California, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, South Carolina and Florida and special guests from Louisiana, as well as Business Affiliates and Stakeholders, the National Special Districts Association Board of Directors met August 24 in Palm Desert, California, bringing together national and state leaders to focus on the issues shaping the future of special districts across the country.

The meeting comes at an important time for special districts. From federal advocacy and state legislative challenges to workforce needs, infrastructure, funding and public engagement, districts are navigating an increasingly complex environment while continuing to provide essential local services.

Federal advocacy remains a top priority. The Board received an update on NSDA’s federal advocacy efforts and began planning for the 2027 NSDA DC Days Fly-In, proposed for May 10–13. The Board also discussed a potential Leadership Symposium and Partners Panel Breakfast, continuing NSDA’s effort to give district leaders a stronger voice in Washington, D.C.

At the state level, the Board held a discussion on legislative hot topics affecting special districts, recognizing that many of the challenges facing districts—for example on AI—are being debated in state capitols across the country.  The Board committed to creating more opportunities to share state by state legislative issues.

Building stronger partnerships is another national priority. NSDA welcomed several organizations into its National Partner Network, including the American Library Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies and National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. These relationships reflect the common interests shared by special districts and the many organizations representing the essential services they provide.

The Board also focused on education, training and access to information, including how NSDA can better serve current members while creating new opportunities to engage districts that have not yet connected with the association.

Finally, the meeting highlighted NSDA’s growing network of business and strategic partners and opportunities to expand resources available to special districts.