Discussion and possible action to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Mesa, substantially in the form presented, to fund the Water Use It Wisely regional campaign in accordance with budget authority previously approved by Council.

Peoria has been a partner with the Water Use It Wisely regional campaign for over a decade. The City of Mesa technically owns and coordinates the campaign, but several other cities also contribute to the group effort.  This group works within Arizona to message the importance of conserving water and is directed by a steering committee of member cities. Many of the educational resources that Water Services uses for public outreach are from Water Use It Wisely. Previous agreements with the group have been in the form of a contract, but Water Services is now proposing to utilize an IGA to allow for added funding flexibility.

Some of the main products gained by our membership include:

• Annual marketing campaigns that hit big-ticket audiences with a simple, easy DIY messages.

• Access and use of the Landscape Watering By The Numbers booklet and digital webpage for a low desert specific guide on how to water correctly

• Network of cities and government entities that sit together and take on conservation outreach opportunities

• Access and permissions to all digital materials created and analytic data that shows activity in Peoria

The City of Peoria values the partnership with Water Use it Wisely. By forming a partnership, the contributing cities can educate and reach many more people than what we are able to do on our own. With long-term drought conditions and Colorado River reductions looming in the near future, Peoria would like to have a louder voice and the ability to take advantage of extra marketing opportunities through Water Use It Wisely, while continuing our mission of conservation in Peoria.

Staff recommends approval of the IGA with Mesa for up to $40,000 annually for education and outreach with Water Use It Wisely.

There is funding available in the FY2024 budget for the costs identified.