18138_Authority_Feb

municipalauthorities.org | 59 CWA article continued from page 6. Billboard CWA Lobby Day CWA Lobby Day becoming a target of privatization—in fact, investor- owned utilities love these categories of utilities because they require little investment and can yield high profits for their investors. They purchase these utilities at high cost and then recoup their investment from the unsuspecting ratepayers by hiking their rates into the stratosphere—but if ratepayers are kept informed, an authority will have the community’s support to push back against such efforts. That’s why it’s essential to build a strong and engaged community following, celebrate achievements, and show ratepayers the true value of their investment. This year, CWA has been actively showcasing our work— highlighting capital projects that improve the community and the infrastructure. It’s essential for our ratepayers to understand that the rates they pay aren’t lining the pockets of wealthy CEOs or corporate shareholders; instead, they’re going directly into the upkeep and improvement of their water systems. We charge only what it costs to provide the service, with no hidden profits. It’s a simple, transparent model that benefits everyone. Celebrating Our Community Public utilities play a vital role in the communities they serve. Part of that role is to be a good neighbor. Whether it’s through offering internships or supporting community events, such as Warriors on the Water for veterans, or donating water during emergencies or special events, CWA cares deeply for the communities we serve. With social media and image sharing, our customers see us as friends and neighbors, invested in their well-being. By keeping the public informed, by engaging with them directly, and by celebrating the work we’re doing, we’re creating a strong bond with our ratepayers. That bond means if we are under threat, our community will stand with us, defend us, and ensure that we remain a trusted public service for generations to come. Building a direct and open communication network with our ratepayers is critical in today’s challenging environment. It’s not enough to work quietly behind the scenes anymore; we need to be vocal, visible, and engaged. The success of CWA, and all public utilities, depends on the strength of our relationship with the people we serve. Through our work and our outreach, CWA is able to show our ratepayers and the residents of our service area how much we value them. Because of this strong commitment, they, in turn, demonstrate and express their value for us to their elected officials on an ongoing basis and demand their full engagement in protecting CWA and doing what is critical to allow the authority to thrive. S