PWD Is the Only L.A. County Special District to Earn Top Honors from Statewide Leadership Foundation

Palmdale, CA – Citing sound fiscal management policies and practices in its operations, the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) has awarded Palmdale Water District (PWD) with the District of Distinction – Platinum certificate.

The District of Distinction is a coveted award for California special districts, which includes water agencies. PWD is only one of eight special districts in the state and the only one in Los Angeles County to earn the top Platinum status. SDLF also awarded PWD with the Transparency Certificate of Excellence.

“What an honor it is to be L.A. County’s only special district to receive the Platinum recognition,” said PWD Board Director Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “We are very proud of this achievement. It shows that we are transparent in the way we make decisions to best benefit our customers.” DISTINCTION...

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes good governance and best practices among California special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs. The Distinction award is presented after it is determined that a district’s financial, personnel training and transparency postings meet stringent criteria.

The PWD Board and executive staff had to submit proof that they took part in educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

At a recent PWD Board meeting, California Special Districts Association Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer presented the District of Distinction and Transparency awards to the Board and gave individual Certificate in Special District Governance to Directors Don Wilson, Scott Kellerman and Gloria Dizmang.

The accreditation process also involved confirming that the PWD website includes posting of transparency requirements, including election procedure and deadlines; posted Board meetings and agendas; current budget; most recent financial audit; and a listing of compensation for Board members and staff or a link to the state Controller’s webpage with the data.

Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.