The program for the 2026 Water Finance Conference — coming to the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado, Aug. 4-5 — will present a theme of “Resilience Begins with Finance,” covering a slew of issues tied to strengthening water resilience through innovative financing.
The Water Finance Conference is a two-day educational seminar convening executive-level utility professionals, including CEOs, directors, general managers, CFOs and city finance managers along with consultants, financial advisors and service providers to municipal water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
On day 1, Tuesday, Aug. 4, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Denver Water’s Operations Complex. Located just west of downtown Denver, the 34-acre campus serves as Denver Water’s headquarters and operational hub, supporting water service across 10 counties.
Attendees will get a firsthand look at the facilities and infrastructure that keep one of the nation’s leading water utilities running efficiently every day. The tour is included in the conference but is limited to 20 participants per tour, with two tours scheduled (40 total participants.)
Following the tour, attendees will return to the conference venue in time for lunch and our opening keynote session featuring AWWA CEO David LaFrance. LaFrance will share insights on utility finance goals within AWWA’s Water2050 initiative, regional water resource planning challenges, workforce development, and more.
Elizabeth Gillitzer-Gallardo, Manager of Rates and Charges at Aurora Water will present on implementing a capacity rental charge to curb overuse and protect future supply, co-presented with Jason Mumm. Mumm is Senior Director of Infrastructure Finance at Brown and Caldwell and a nationally recognized expert in utility rates, fees and charges and has helped author significant portions of AWWA’s guidelines for water utility rates.
The day will conclude with a panel discussion Balancing Customer Affordability & Evolving Regional Water Challenges.
Moderated by: Todd Cristiano, Vice President, Raftelis
Angela Bricmont, Chief Financial Officer, Denver Water
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