California’s Nonfunctional Turf Law (AB 1572) marks a major shift in how public agencies, businesses, HOAs, and institutions use water, and effective communication is essential to its successful implementation.

In this one-hour webinar, CalWEP (California Water Efficiency Partnership) will guide public-sector communicators through a practical, easy-to-use toolkit designed to help agencies clearly explain AB 1572, reduce confusion, and support community compliance.

Participants will receive a guided tour of CalWEP’s Nonfunctional Turf (NFT) Resource Website and outreach tools, including ready-to-use messaging, visuals, and sector-specific resources that can be adapted for local use. The webinar will focus on how communicators can translate a complex state policy into clear, actionable information for residents, businesses, HOAs, and other stakeholders.

Whether you work in city communications, utilities, special districts, or public affairs, this session will equip you with practical strategies, language, and resources you can immediately integrate into your outreach efforts.

What You’ll Learn:

• A clear overview of AB 1572 and why it matters to public agencies and their communities
• How to navigate and use CalWEP’s Nonfunctional Turf Resource Website
• Key messaging considerations for communicating regulatory change with clarity and confidence
• How to tailor outreach for different audiences, including HOAs, commercial properties, and public institutions
• Ways communicators can support compliance while building public understanding and trust

Speakers

Date: June 2, 2026
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm

Cost: $30 CAPIO members/$45 non-members/Free for Professional+

Register

SPEAKER BIOS

Tia Fleming

As Executive Director of the California Water Efficiency Partnership, Tia Fleming leads the organization’s strategic vision and oversees programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that support urban water suppliers across California. She is passionate about helping agencies collaborate, innovate, and share practical solutions for efficient and effective water management. Tia has more than 15 years of experience working with environmental and water-focused nonprofits and municipal organizations including leadership roles in outreach, policy, facilitation, and coalition development. Tia graduated with Honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz where she majored in Environmental Studies. She is WaterSense Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certified. Tia currently sits on the Board of Directors for the California Irrigation Institute.

Melissa Matlock, Ph.D.

Melissa oversees CalWEP’s programmatic vision and priorities. Prior to joining the team, Melissa worked with Western Municipal Water District in the Water Resources/Planning Department. She has also worked as a Development Coordinator at the renewable energy non-profit, GRID Alternatives. Melissa has a Master’s in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Public Health from University of California, Irvine. Melissa obtained her AWWA Water Use Efficiency Grade 3, Water Loss Audit Validator, and Distribution Grade 1 certifications, is WaterSense Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certified, and has her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.