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Why blaming farmers for sinking land won’t fix California’s water crisis A recent Newsweek article traced sinking property values in the Central Valley to one cause: groundwater pumping. The headline was clear. The numbers were dramatic. The takeaway was simple. And like most simple stories, it left out the truth that matters most. When people settle into one version of a story, they stop asking better questions. But in places like ours, those questions are still alive—and still waiting for answers. What the Public Is Hearing About Land Subsidence in California Here on the ground, we’ve seen the damage. Pavement cracking. Wells failing. Families forced to leave—farms facing impossible decisions. But what else is true? Surface water deliveries have been reduced or eliminated across the Valley, even during wet years. Recharge infrastructure sits behind permitting delays. Groundwater became the only survival option for many regions. The tap was shut off. The bucket got blamed. What Else Is True About Land Subsidence in California The UC Riverside study behind the article added valuable data. But it didn’t tell the full story: It didn’t explain why recharge was delayed. It didn’t reflect the layers of compliance playing out in real time. And it didn’t ask how communities are supposed to navigate SGMA while policies shift faster than support is built. Farmers are being asked to adapt, and they are. But adaptation takes clarity, time, and trust—three things that policy alone can’t deliver. There's So Much More To the Story Groundwater use became a last resort, not a first choice. Domestic well users and growers are responding to the same system, not opposing each other. Housing continues to be approved in critically overdrafted basins. Many GSAs are operating on minimal staff and budget while trying to meet the state’s expectations. Transitional pumping limits are going into effect before outreach and mitigation are fully in place. What We Should Be Asking Why were floodwaters sent to the ocean while recharge basins sat idle? Why are enforcement deadlines moving faster than the infrastructure needed to meet them? Why are other groundwater users left out of the public narrative? Who benefits from telling only one side of the story? How do we build trust when communities are still grieving unspoken losses? What kind of future are we shaping, and who is shaping it? What It Will Take California needs more than compliance. It needs coordination, conversation, and common sense.It needs stories that reflect complexity, not just blame.It needs leadership that includes those living at ground zero. Because the ground is sinking. But the narrative doesn’t have to. See you at the table, Julie

For eight years, I’ve walked alongside widows through the quiet aftermath of loss. That work shaped me. What I didn’t expect was that it would also prepare me for a new kind of grief; one rising in rural California as wells run dry, farmland changes hands, and families face a future they never planned for. What do widows and water have in common? More than you’d think. The Work I Never Expected For the past eight years, I’ve lived in the world of widowhood, not only as a guide, but as someone who has had to rebuild from the rubble. The death of my husband, Jason, broke something wide open in me. And in that break, something else began: a calling, a path, a steady pull toward work that mattered. I’ve sat with women and men in the thick of their losses. I’ve helped them clear out homes, redo paperwork, and relearn how to breathe inside a life they didn’t choose. I’ve lived that work with my whole heart. Grief has been my home ground. Grief as Preparation Lately, I’ve found myself walking into different rooms: water board meetings, stakeholder sessions, advisory circles. My boots are now dusty with the language of groundwater, drought, and agricultural transition. And to my surprise, it doesn’t feel like I’ve stepped away. It feels like I’ve stepped further in. There is a correlation between widows and groundwater. Grief taught me how to sit with uncertainty. How to stay when there’s nothing to fix. How to listen for the truth beneath the surface. Those are the very same skills the water world needs right now. The Ache Beneath the Policy In rural California, the ground is sinking. Wells are going dry. Families are being asked to reimagine the future of their land. And beneath all the modeling and policy language, something else is rising. Grief. . It’s not always visible. It’s rarely acknowledged. But it’s there. Ambiguous loss lives here, too. The kind that comes in silence. The kind that lingers in legacy. Expanding, Not Leaving I’m not leaving the work I’ve done with widows. That work is sacred. It shaped me into someone who lives and loves with a depth I didn’t have before. Widowhood taught me how to hold pain with reverence and how to walk alongside people through the unthinkable. That work will always live in me. What’s unfolding now isn’t a departure. It’s an expansion. A quiet opening into a new chapter where grief is still present, just expressed through different stories. I’m making space for both. And I’m showing up with the same steady hands. Listening Beneath the Surface There was a phone call. Then a meeting. Then, a seat at a table I never expected. I showed up not as an expert, but as someone who understands what it means to lose the life you planned, and still find a way forward. If I’ve been quiet, it’s because I’ve been learning. Listening for the stories behind the spreadsheets. Finding a new language that still speaks to what I’ve always known: the human part matters most. Thank you for walking with me. See you at the table, Julie

For many people, the word "probation" sounds like a warning—a heads-up that something needs to change. But under SGMA, probation isn’t a soft landing. It’s a hard shift. And the reality of what happens next can catch entire communities off guard. What SGMA Probation Actually Triggers In April 2024, the Tulare Lake Subbasin in Kings County was placed on probation by the State Water Board. This designation didn’t come with much fanfare, but the consequences were immediate and steep: Every groundwater user in the basin had to report their pumping. Most extractors were required to install meters. New fees went into effect: $300 per well, and $20 for every acre-foot of water pumped. These stringent measures prompted the Kings County Farm Bureau to file a lawsuit against the State Water Board in May 2024, challenging the probation designation and associated fees as overreach. For operations already under pressure, these costs weren’t just frustrating—they were financially devastating. Why It Caught So Many Off Guard SGMA was written to prevent long-term harm. But when the solution arrives without enough time, local input, or practical support, it creates new harm in its place. What probation looks like on paper is very different from how it lands on the ground: Compliance becomes confusing. The rules keep shifting. The tone changes from collaboration to enforcement. What It Looks Like in Real Life The people navigating it aren’t sitting in policy meetings. They’re growers, landowners, small towns, and workers trying to adapt in real-time. They're figuring out how to register wells, pay the fees, and keep their operations going. They're the ones calling water districts and Farm Bureaus, asking, “What do I do next?” And that’s where the real work begins—helping people understand what’s required, what’s possible, and how to make decisions that hold up over time. Not with panic. With strategy. More Than Policy: A Personal Impact Probation may be a regulatory tool. But for those living through it, it’s deeply personal. It touches everything: Financial decisions Planting schedules Family stress Employee hours Long-term planning Where We Go From Here SGMA will continue to evolve. More basins may face probation. What we do now—how we respond, listen, and lead—will shape whether this season becomes a breaking point or a turning point for California agriculture. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

Across the Tulare Lake Subbasin, groundwater users are watching closely as the State Water Board proposes changes to how SGMA enforcement is funded. The new fee structure has far-reaching implications, not just for how much stakeholders will pay, but for what that money supports, and how decisions are made. This moment isn’t just about rates. It’s about trust, accountability, and the future of local voice in groundwater governance. What the State Is Proposing Under the current fee model, basins under SGMA probation pay: $300 per well $20 per acre-foot (AF) of groundwater pumped The proposed SGMA fee structure introduces tiered pricing based on usage volume. It’s meant to create fairness between small and large users, but the early numbers raise serious questions. The 20 AF exemption is gone. Small landowners previously excluded from fees would now be included and are expected to collectively contribute over half a million dollars. For large pumpers, fees increase sharply. A small number of users would carry a disproportionate share of the cost, even though no public data shows how enforcement expenses are calculated or if they align with actual basin needs. The intent may be equity. The outcome feels more complex. A Key Detail from the State’s SGMA Fee Structure Presentation In a recent State Water Board meeting, officials confirmed that stakeholders in the Tule Subbasin are being charged for State staff time spent in other basins, including Kaweah, Kern, and Chowchilla. There is: No itemized breakdown showing how staff hours or enforcement costs are allocated No confirmation that fees collected in one basin stay in that basin No publicly accessible tracking system for SGMA-related charges This isn’t a matter of mistrust, it’s a matter of visibility. And for communities already navigating drought, uncertainty, and compliance fatigue, that lack of clarity is significant. Why Tulare Lake Is Still Exempt (for now) Unlike Tule, the Tulare Lake Subbasin is not currently paying SGMA fees. That’s because of an active legal challenge filed by the Kings County Farm Bureau. That lawsuit is doing more than protecting landowners from immediate costs. It’s also: Delaying probation in this basin Requiring the State to clarify the goal posts of SGMA Creating space for critical questions to be asked and answered It’s a procedural pause, but one with real community impact. Enforcement Without a Roadmap Probation under SGMA was originally framed as a temporary corrective process: a step toward improved sustainability. But once a basin enters enforcement, the path forward is unclear: There’s no defined checklist for returning to local control No process for adjusting fees once progress is made No shared understanding of how long probation is expected to last That ambiguity puts local agencies and landowners in a holding pattern, paying into a system without a clear end point or destination. What This Means for Local Stakeholders These changes are unfolding quickly. For stakeholders in Tulare Lake and across the region, this isn’t just about dollars and data, it’s about governance, transparency, and participation. This moment highlights a critical need for: Clear and accessible explanations of SGMA-related costs Equitable distribution of program expenses A transparent path from enforcement to resolution A seat at the table for the communities most affected Why Strategic Communication Matters Now The work of community engagement isn’t just about raising concerns. It’s about asking better questions, translating policy into plain language, and building frameworks people can actually act on. That’s what the lawsuit is doing. That’s what stakeholder meetings can do. And that’s what this moment still makes possible. SGMA was intended to preserve local control.That only happens when local voices are respected, and when those voices show up with clarity, confidence, and a clear understanding of what’s at stake. See you at the table, Julie Martella

There’s a lot of noise right now when it comes to groundwater—plans, policies, lawsuits, and shifting deadlines. But underneath all of that, something bigger is happening. In parts of the Tulare Lake Subbasin, the land is sinking. And that’s not a figure of speech. It’s called subsidence. It’s one of the clearest signs that this water crisis isn’t just political—it’s physical. Whether we’re ready for it or not, it's showing up under our feet. What Is Subsidence? Subsidence happens when groundwater is pulled from below faster than it can be replenished. Over time, the underground layers compress—like a sponge that’s been squeezed too many times. Once those spaces collapse, they don’t come back. The land sinks and everything built on top of it starts to shift or crack. Why Subsidence in the Tulare Lake Subbasin Matters This isn’t just something farmers need to worry about. It affects roads, canals, levees, pipelines, and even homes. From the state’s perspective, subsidence threatens aqueducts and water delivery systems that serve cities, agriculture, and industry. That’s part of why it’s become such a focus in SGMA enforcement. You don’t have to agree with how the state handles things to recognize this much: when subsidence goes unchecked, there’s damage. And that damage spreads. How It Shows Up Locally Wells can be damaged or go dry. Canals can shift, making irrigation more difficult and more expensive. And while infrastructure suffers, it’s usually the landowners who end up footing the bill. We all know this water crisis didn’t come out of nowhere. It was built slowly, over decades—one decision at a time. And now the responsibility to clean it up is landing hardest on the people who’ve been working the land and feeding the state through it all. Where That Leaves Us Dealing with subsidence in the Tulare Lake Subbasin isn't an unsolvable problem and doesn't require us to throw in the towel. It’s about figuring out what we can do and making smart decisions from where we stand. We can watch our wells for changes in performance that might be early warning signs. We can take part in recharge efforts when opportunities arise. We can attend GSA meetings and speak up about what’s happening in the field. We can work together—whether through local water districts, the Farm Bureau, or with neighboring landowners. We can look at ways to improve surface and groundwater water efficiency. And most importantly, we can stay informed—because policies are shifting fast, and those changes are hitting growers first. Staying informed isn’t optional anymore. That’s where I come in: to help sort through the mess, track what’s changing, and offer some clarity without all the noise. Holding the Line We might be in the middle of a water war, but farmers didn’t start it. And they’re not walking away from it, either. The land has always told the truth. Right now, it’s telling us to pay attention. This valley was built by people who worked with the land, not against it. People who know how to adapt, even when the rules don’t make much sense. If there’s going to be a future for agriculture in California, it’s going to come from the people who are still walking the fields, fixing what’s broken, and figuring out how to make it work. The ground may be shifting. But the roots here run deep. This land still has a future—if we’re willing to protect it, fight for it, and pass it on. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

For years, I’ve worked with people navigating personal crises—helping them process uncertainty, make sense of overwhelming situations, and move forward with clarity. Now, I’m applying those same skills to an industry I know deeply—one that is facing an agriculture crisis unlike anything we’ve seen before. Agriculture is in Crisis—And That’s a Form of Grief Right now, agriculture is experiencing its own form of grief and disruption : Long-standing ways of doing business are disappearing. Regulations and policies feel overwhelming and impossible. Farmers, industry leaders, and businesses are being forced to make generational decisions under immense pressure. This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. Families, businesses, and entire communities are being forced to make generational decisions under immense pressure, often drowning in legal complexity with no clear path forward. What We Need Isn’t Just Policy Solutions—It’s Clarity, Strategy, and Hard Conversations When individuals face a crisis, they need more than just information—they need guidance, clarity, and a way to make sense of it all. The same is true for industries in crisis. That’s why my work in grief and crisis navigation naturally extends to agriculture. The tools I’ve used to help individuals process personal loss are the same tools we need to apply to this industry-wide disruption: Farmers and industry leaders don’t need more overwhelming legal jargon. They need someone who can break it down, make it make sense, and help them confidently move forward. My work has alw ays focused on helping people navigate crisis and uncertainty. The landscape has changed, but the work remains the same. I now work with agricultural businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders to:   Educate and communicate regulations in a way that actually makes sense Facilitate strategic conversations so businesses can make informed, generational decisions Bridge the gap between policy and action so organizations can move forward . Let’s Expand the Conversation—Together This isn’t just about policy shifts. It’s about people, families, and the future of agriculture. The agriculture crisis we are facing demands clear thinking, bold leadership, and real solutions. Agriculture’s future depends on clear thinking and bold action. Let’s get to work. Julie Martella

If you’ve never heard of SGMA, you’re not alone. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was passed in California in 2014 to address the long-term decline of our groundwater supplies. But even now, most people outside of farming communities have no idea what SGMA is—or how deeply it will reshape life in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. The law was built on a real concern: declining aquifers, dry wells, and sinking land pointed to decades of overpumping. SGMA was meant to bring balance to California’s groundwater use. But nearly a decade later, it’s clear that the burden of this transition is not being shared equally. Right now, some of the strictest enforcement efforts are focused on the San Joaquin Valley—where agriculture isn’t just an industry; it’s the economic and cultural backbone of entire communities. In the Tulare Lake Subbasin alone, more than 25% of the population works in ag. When water is restricted, farms scale back. Jobs disappear. Families relocate. Schools lose funding. And yet, beyond this region, the conversation about groundwater remains distant and often uninformed. In many cities, the dialogue around water has become politicized and detached. There’s a growing gap between those who rely on food and those who produce it. It's easy to believe that shifting food production out of state or country is a viable solution. But that mindset ignores the complex web of local jobs, food security, and generational stewardship rooted in this land. The state’s current approach includes legal deadlines, strict reporting mandates, and financial penalties for noncompliance in places like Kings County. In 2024, the Tulare Lake Subbasin was placed on probation, triggering a $300 per well fee and $20 per acre-foot pumping charge. For many family operations, that’s not just difficult. It’s devastating. I believe we can manage groundwater responsibly without dismantling the communities that grow our food. Local knowledge matters and any long-term solution must be built with, not imposed on, the people most affected. This is where I do my work. Right at the intersection of regulation and reality—supporting those in agriculture as they navigate complex changes, helping communities stay informed, and working to ensure that SGMA doesn’t become a story of loss but a path to long-term resilience. We can protect our resources and the people who depend on them, but only if we approach this moment with clarity, urgency, and respect for what’s at stake. I'll meet you at the table, Julie Martella

Why I Stepped Into This Work People ask me why I’ve taken on SGMA work when I already had a full, meaningful life walking alongside widows and families through some of life’s hardest seasons. The truth is, I haven’t left that work. But this groundwater crisis in the Tulare Lake subbasin is on a scale that demands attention. It has the power to reshape agriculture in California—and not in twenty years. Now. On this land. In this basin. This work isn’t abstract for me. It’s personal. My husband was a fifth-generation farmer. I still live on our home ranch and farm his orchard. I want this land to remain a generational homestead for my children and their children. This isn’t just policy—it’s legacy. And that’s why I’m here. Because if we don’t find a way forward, we risk losing more than water—we risk losing a way of life. This groundwater crisis is on a scale that demands attention. It has the power to reshape agriculture in California—and not in twenty years. Now. On this land. In this basin. I didn’t step into this work because I needed something new to do. I stepped in because I believe agriculture still has a future here, and I’m willing to sit in the hard space between the people trying to protect that future and the policies making it harder every day. What’s Really at Stake in the Tulare Lake Subbasin In the Tulare Lake Subbasin, agriculture isn’t just a way of life—it’s the backbone of the entire community. With 25% of the population working in ag, any threat to farming puts the local economy, schools, and generations of families at risk. The Public Policy Institute of California projects that achieving groundwater sustainability by 2040 could result in the fallowing of 500,000 to 1 million acres of agricultural land in the Central Valley. When farms go under, it doesn’t stop at the field. Packing sheds close. Equipment suppliers lose business. Truck drivers have fewer loads. Restaurants and small businesses in rural towns see fewer customers. Families relocate in search of work; school districts lose funding as enrollment drops and local tax bases shrink, leaving less support for public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure. The fabric of the community begins to fray, not just economically but socially and culturally. That’s why I’m here. Groundwater regulations like SGMA aren’t just about water—they’re about survival. The San Joaquin Valley is at risk of losing not only farmland but the people and livelihoods tied to it. And here’s the truth: we don’t need another politician showing up with a five-point plan. We don’t need posturing. We need someone who can sit at the table with everyone in the room—and stay there. That’s where I come in. I’m not here to take sides. I’m here because I understand what’s on the line—and I know how to keep conversations moving when the room gets tense and the stakes feel personal. How I’m Helping Local Stakeholders Navigate SGMA My work isn’t theoretical. It’s not driven by agendas or advocacy groups. I work with landowners, GSAs, and communities to help make sense of the real-time shifts happening under SGMA—without all the jargon and without taking up sides. I help folks: Understand recharge efforts and efficiency opportunities Ask better questions at GSA meetings Stay informed when timelines or requirements change Figure out what to do now—not ten years from now I’m Not Here to Take Sides on the Groundwater Crisis in the Tulare Lake Subbasin This situation feels a lot like a messy divorce. Local growers and stakeholders on one side. The state, on the other. And in between hundreds of decisions missed communications, and real consequences are playing out in real-time. I’m not here to stir the pot. I’m not here to defend Sacramento either. We need to find the middle ground because I believe that’s where change is possible. I’m Here to Help Hold the Middle If you’re still working the land, managing wells, and hoping to pass something down, you already know how much is at stake. And maybe, like me, you’re tired of being told what to do by people who’ve never sat through a single irrigation season. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here because I believe the next chapter of California agriculture is still being written—and I want to help shape it with clarity, not confusion. The ground may be shifting, but I’m still standing. This land still has a future—if we’re willing to protect it, fight for it, and stay in the room long enough to find a way through. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

SGMA isn’t just about policy. It’s about people. It’s about the farmers, irrigation districts, and rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley who rely on water to survive. I see it firsthand. I live it. I’m not an engineer, a lawyer, or a scientist— I work with them. My role is to be the bridge between the experts, the decision-makers, and the people whose livelihoods depend on finding solutions. ♦️ Translating SGMA and water regulations into clear, actionable strategies ♦️ Making sure farmers and ag organizations have a voice in water policy ♦️ Representing stakeholders in key meetings so they don’t have to waste time decoding policy jargon ♦️ Advocating for practical solutions that balance compliance with sustainability Compliance isn’t enough. Farmers need: ♦️ Clarity —what’s required and how to adapt ♦️ Engagement— a voice in policy decisions ♦️ Advocacy— solutions that actually work for agriculture I don’t just study SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley—I live with its consequences. My husband was a fifth-generation farmer, and I still live on our home ranch. Like so many in the San Joaquin Valley, I know firsthand how water regulations impact farms of every size. I work with small and large farms, GSAs, farm bureaus, and ag-adjacent industries, and I provide policy interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. SGMA is here to stay. Waiting isn’t an option. Agriculture needs leadership, strategy, and a seat at the table. Let’s Talk – Ready to move beyond confusion and into proactive water strategy? Contact me at hello@julesmartella.com. See you at the table, Julie Martella

SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s reshaping how water is managed in the Tulare Lake Subbasin and beyond. Farmers aren’t just trying to comply with new rules; they’re fighting to secure the future of their operations while navigating uncertainty. One of the biggest challenges is getting the Tulare Lake Subbasin out of probation and revising the plan to ensure a viable path forward. 1. Uncertainty Around Compliance SGMA water policies in the San Joaquin Valley keep changing, and farmers are left scrambling to keep up. Reporting requirements, well registrations, and shifting expectations make it hard to know what’s required and what’s coming next. Many don’t have time to sit through lengthy policy meetings or sift through technical documents. ♦️ Solution: Farmers need clear, straightforward updates and a trusted source to break down what’s happening to make informed decisions without losing valuable time. 2. Water Access & Management Limits The biggest concern? Water. Groundwater pumping restrictions, unpredictable allocations, and regulatory hurdles force farmers to rethink their operations. The GSAs of the Tulare Lake Subbasin are working to revise their plans and avoid having the state take over. The stakes are higher than ever, and farmers are looking for ways to balance compliance while keeping their farms running. ♦️ Solution: A proactive water strategy is key. Stakeholders must stay engaged in local SGMA discussions to advocate for policies that benefit agriculture, not just regulators. 3. Lack of Representation in Policy Decisions Many agriculture decisions are made without real input from the people working the land. Small and mid-sized farms often feel left out, assuming they don’t have a voice. But they do. As the Tulare Lake Subbasin revises its plan , agricultural voices are needed more than ever to ensure that the outcome is both compliant and realistic for farmers. ♦️ Solution: Farmers and ag organizations must stay engaged. When the wrong people shape policy, agriculture loses. Now is the time to show up, speak up, and make sure SGMA works for everyone. SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t going away, and waiting isn’t an option. The Tulare Lake Subbasin is at a critical turning point. The farmers, organizations, and communities that take action today will have the best chance of shaping a water future that makes sense. Let’s Talk – Need help navigating these challenges? Contact me at hello@julesmartella.com. See you at the table, Julie

If you’ve only read the policies, SGMA may appear to be a groundwater regulation. A roadmap to sustainability. A technical solution to a technical problem. But if you’ve spent any time in the field or in the rooms where decisions are made, you know this goes much deeper. Why SGMA Is About More Than Water SGMA is reshaping more than just water use. It’s shifting how people farm, how they trust institutions, and how they prepare for a future that feels increasingly unstable. These are the costs that don’t show up in the reports: Burnout among the same community members who always show up Frustration from stakeholders who feel unheard Skepticism from those who’ve watched past plans fall apart Shifts in family land planning, leasing, and succession Rising fear in small communities about what their future holds The Hidden Layer: Grief SGMA brings loss. And like any loss, it comes with grief. Grief over land that might not stay in production Grief over family decisions no one wanted to make Grief over the silence that too often surrounds rural voices Grief over the feeling of being left behind...again This kind of emotional weight isn’t accounted for in the metrics, but it shapes how people respond, how they resist, and how they recover. It’s Not Just a Checklist SGMA isn’t just a mandate; it’s a reckoning. SGMA is about more than water, and that will outlast the meetings and shape rural California for decades to come. If we treat this like a communications problem or an engineering puzzle, we miss the real assignment: rebuilding trust, restoring clarity, and supporting communities as they navigate real, lasting change. We don’t need better messaging. We need real listening. We need actions that show people they matter. And we need to tell the truth about what’s happening and who it’s happening to. See you at the table, Julie

Regulations shift, and policies evolve. Yet, too many businesses in agriculture and related industries scramble to adjust at the last minute. The cost? Confusion, financial setbacks, and missed opportunities. Understanding policy is one thing—navigating SGMA and policy changes strategically is another. The Most Common Mistakes in Navigating SGMA & Policy Changes Businesses that struggle with regulatory shifts often make these key mistakes: ♦️ Ignoring SGMA Until It’s Too Late— Many businesses wait until compliance deadlines are looming before making policy changes, leaving them with limited options and increased stress. ♦️ Lack of Clear Communication— When leadership fails to communicate SGMA and other policy changes effectively, teams remain unprepared, leading to operational chaos. ♦️ Assuming Someone Else Will Handle It – Relying on industry groups or associations to do all the work means missing opportunities to shape the conversation and advocate for business-friendly regulations. ♦️ Not Having a Long-Term Plan – Reacting instead of planning leads to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies, while proactive businesses build resilience by integrating SGMA regulations into their strategic vision. ♦️ Failure to Engage with Policymakers – Businesses that don’t voice their concerns early in the process often find themselves stuck with regulations that don’t reflect industry realities. How Businesses Can Get Ahead of SGMA & Policy Changes Navigating SGMA and policy changes doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be an opportunity. Here’s how businesses can stay ahead: ♦️ Monitor & Anticipate Shifts – Keeping up with legislative trends allows businesses to prepare in advance rather than scramble at the last minute. ♦️ Develop Internal Communication Strategies – Ensuring teams understand SGMA and other policy changes and their impact leads to smoother implementation. ♦️ Engage in Advocacy Efforts – Getting involved early in policy discussions allows businesses to help shape regulations rather than react to them. ♦️ Invest in Policy Strategy – A dedicated approach to navigating SGMA and policy changes ensures businesses remain compliant, competitive, and ahead of the curve. Let’s Make SGMA & Policy Work for Your Business Regulatory changes are inevitable, but being caught off guard isn’t. I help businesses interpret SGMA shifts, develop strategic communication plans, and take a proactive approach to industry changes. Don’t wait for SGMA and policy mistakes to disrupt your business—let’s create a plan that keeps you ahead. Reach out today, and let’s start the conversation. Julie