Metropolitan maintained strong bond ratings amid climate, infrastructure and Colorado River challenges. The chair reported golden mussel impacts at Banks pump station and said a demonstration is planned. The Executive Committee recommended a department head pay policy targeting the 75th percentile of nine peer agencies for Board consideration on November 10; it was not adopted. The committee also advanced Brenda Denstadt's Board Secretary nomination, with nominations still open.
Colorado River supply for 2027–2028 remains uncertain amid litigation filed by Nevada and Arizona. Staff identified taking California’s entire proposed 440,000 acre-foot reduction as one option while talks on sharing it continue. Staff aims to seek approval of any negotiated agreements in December, but there is no firm deadline. Board members urged durable approaches, citing storage, agricultural land and potential interstate exchanges.
Staff outlined agrivoltaics’ potential water benefits and challenges for alfalfa and site economics. The chair said a collaborative funded with a little over $8 million reconsidered past decisions at a public meeting and reapproved 10 grants. In public comment, a company representative reported 13–15% higher alfalfa yield and quality in a Palo Verde soil pilot; water savings remain unquantified. The committee approved its August 25 minutes.
The board authorized issuance of up to $900 million across two bond series and separately adopted Ordinance No. 153 concerning $500 million in revenue bonds for capital expenditures. It awarded a $14.475 million contract to replace canal liner at 25 Colorado River Aqueduct locations and elected Marty Miller, the first San Diego representative to chair Metropolitan, for a term beginning January 1, 2027.
The committee recommended a two-year, $4.2 million conservation contract with Electric & Gas Industries Association for full-board approval. Staff outlined an instream-flow proposal: $70 million upfront for 14,000 acre-feet of State Water Project water in each of up to 10 years when allocations reach at least 30%; directors questioned price and reliability. Bard and Quechan fallowing extensions could go to the board in November; the flow proposal could return in November or later in 2026.
