More people of color are being elected in the Bay Area. Yet most of the top elected positions remain held by white people. While diversity in elected office doesn’t automatically lead to equitable policies, it helps ensure that people from underrepresented and excluded communities are positioned to lead and shape the systems and policies that affect their lives. To strengthen our democracy, our elected officials must reflect the diverse experiences of the communities they serve and govern to advance the region’s collective well-being.

As funding for the popular Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program runs out, Tiana Starks with We the People of Detroit discusses the impact on the people of Detroit where up to 10% of homes lack complete access to water.

Three Members of Congress introduced the Water Access Act to prevent a looming water assistance crisis as a funding assistance program runs dry.

"We can solve this problem," said Yasmin Zaerpoor, who directs water equity work with the research and action institute PolicyLink. "Federal programs already exist to help low-income households pay energy and phone bills when they’re struggling, but funding for the temporary Low Income Household Water Assistance Program will expire in just days if Congress doesn’t act now."

The Fifth National Climate Assessment warns of climate impacts for people and the environment in the Mississippi River basin. WECR steering committee member Rebecca Malpass with The Water Collaborative comments on the extremes of "weather whiplash."