Water has played a vital role in the long history of thriving agriculture in Arizona. For generations, agricultural production was the linchpin of the state’s economy, and cotton, cattle and citrus production had a significant influence on how Arizona communities grew. Water continues to support farming, ranching, and more recently, urban population growth.

As Arizona adjusts to a hotter, drier climate, what is the future of water for agriculture and urban communities? Can we continue to grow with increased competition for water and shrinking resources? How can we grow sustainably? Join us for an important conversation about water, growth, and our future.

This discussion will be facilitated by Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy. The Kyl Center promotes research, analysis, collaboration, and open dialogue to build consensus in support of sound water stewardship solutions for Arizona and the West. Before leading the Kyl Center, Porter served as the Arizona state director of the National Audubon Society and led the Western Rivers project, a multi-state initiative to protect and restore important river habitats in the Intermountain West. As deputy directory of Audubon Arizona, Porter was a key team member in the effort to launch the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, a nature education center located in a restored riparian habitat in South Phoenix. She is a member of the Governor’s Water Augmentation, Innovation and Conservation Council and Phoenix’s Environmental Quality and Sustainability Commission.

This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities (AH) and the Arizona State Library, Records & Archives.

To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331. Three days prior notice is requested.