New collaboration expands access to cost-saving cooperative purchasing solutions to America’s Special Districts
STAPLES, Minn. – Special districts provide essential services that keep communities running — from fire protection and emergency medical response to water management and public utilities. Yet, securing the right resources while navigating complex procurement requirements can be a significant challenge.
To help special districts save time, reduce administrative burden, and maximize budgets, Sourcewell and the American Association of Special Districts (AASD) have partnered to expand awareness and access to cost-saving cooperative purchasing solutions for agencies across the country.
“The American Association of Special Districts is excited to partner with Sourcewell as a solid resource to help district leaders improve efficiency and open new doors with their procurement processes,” said Cole Arreola-Karr, AASD executive director. “Sourcewell understands how special districts run mighty operations on relatively lean resources, and we look forward to working in the spirit of collaboration to deliver the power of cooperative purchasing to help special district save time and taxpayer dollars with their procurement needs.”
Expanding access to cooperative purchasing solutions
By collaborating with Sourcewell, AASD aims to equip its members with the tools and knowledge to leverage cooperative purchasing as a strategy for streamlining procurement and maximizing cost savings through volume pricing.
Sourcewell’s AASD Vanguard Professional Network Membership provides a foundation of resources for special district decision-makers as they navigate procurement while also supporting AASD’s capacity to serve its members. It creates a direct pipeline for special districts to cooperative procurement resources, insights, and opportunities that drive efficiency in operations and improve the quality of community services — all while saving local taxpayer dollars.
Collaboration in governance education
Sourcewell will be represented as a fixture of AASD’s governance education programs through mid-2026, providing special districts with ongoing opportunities to explore cooperative purchasing and procurement solutions.
AASD members will have access to:
- Webinars and online learning sessions on procurement and cooperative purchasing
- Regular updates on cooperative contracts and procurement insights relevant to special districts
- Presentations at AASD Regional Governance Summits across the country
- Featured articles in AASD’s newsletters, showcasing Sourcewell contracts and real-life success stories
“Our partnership aligns AASD’s goals with Sourcewell’s ability to provide procurement solutions for special districts,” said Lindsey Wade, national client solutions manager at Sourcewell. “We’re excited to support AASD as they grow and to help their members access cost-effective awarded contracts that meet their operational needs. As AASD expands its reach, we look forward to being a trusted resource for special districts as they get projects up and off the ground.”
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell empowers public employees through dynamic solutions and services that drive efficiency and impact. As a government partner and fellow public entity, Sourcewell shares a unique understanding of the day-to-day challenges public employees face. From cooperative contracts and related solutions to education and community resources, Sourcewell is driven by an unmatched commitment to service and community success. For more information about Sourcewell cooperative purchasing visit sourcewell-mn.gov.
About AASD
The American Association of Special Districts is led by a multi-disciplinary team that shares a passion for advancing the special district sector of local government and best serving their communities. AASD provides programs to develop special districts’ capacities to advocate with all levels of government officials and policymakers; connects professional and governance service providers with special districts to enhance their services; and works to develop recognition and understanding of district services at county, state, and federal levels.
AASD is accepting trial membership applications for special districts to give the new association’s program a 90-day try. Learn more about how to become an AASD Member at americasdistricts.org/join.