The American Association of Special Districts presents

Southwestern
Special Districts
Governance Summit

September 11-12, 2025

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel

Photo: Mid-America Special Districts Governance Summit; Springfield, Mo.; April 25, 2025

Join fellow special district leaders from across the Southwest beyond for two days of networking, education, and advocacy.

The American Association of Special Districts’ first Southwestern Special Districts Governance Summits will be hosted in Albuquerque, N.M. on September 11-12, 2025. This two-day event will offer thought-provoking and motivating perspectives on longtime and emerging district governance topics – geared special district leaders.

Board members, district managers, and administrators from districts of all stripes will hear perspectives on the importance of community engagement, building intergovernmental relationships for funding success, solutions for procurement, district finance solutions, human resources trends + considerations for special districts, the latest in state + federal advocacy, and best practices for building important relationships with county officials.

AASD strives to deliver these resources in the “backyards” of America’s special purpose government leaders, in regions where such conferences have never occurred, and in a way that is affordable for all types and sizes of special districts.

Register

Full Two-Day Registration
AASD Members: $60
Non-Members: $95

Small District Registration Discounts and Waivers available. Email contact@americasdistricts.org for more information.

Room Block Reserved at the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel at $139/night. Includes free airport shuttle and complimentary parking. The Hotel is also walking distance from the ABQ Terminal.

Details provided with registration.

Register Here

Featured Talks & Speakers

Join fellow special district leaders from across the Southwest for hard-hitting conversations on trending local, state, and federal issues that impact special districts services across Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, West Texas, and beyond.

Featured Presenters and Topics Include

Perspectives to Streamline the Procurement Process: Saving Time and Money with Cooperative Purchasing (Sourcewell)
The Importance of Engaging with Your Community: Tips and Tools for Success
Municipal Bonds 101, Market Trends, and More for Special Districts (UMB Bank)
Panel: The Importance Two-Way Communication and Sustaining Relationships with your County Officials with Sarah Benatar, Coconino County (Ariz.) Treasurer, and Brandy Schiller, Pinal County (Ariz.) Treasurer’s Administrator & Special Districts Specialist.
Ins and Outs of Special District Administration (AZ Districts Solutions)
From Property Taxes to Government Reporting: Open Discussion on Trending State Legislative Issues (AASD)
Intergovernmental Relationships for Special Districts’ Success (Special District Strategies, L.L.C.)
Placing Special Districts on a Fair, Level Federal Playing Field with the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act + More. (AASD)
Panel: The Power of State Special District Associations
Special District Leadership Roundtables (All Summit Attendees)