Our Stories
Across the United States, municipal leaders face a common challenge: balancing aging infrastructure needs with growing demands for public services, economic development, public safety and recreation.
For many communities, partnering with a regulated water and wastewater provider has become a strategic tool for addressing those competing priorities. Proceeds generated through water and wastewater system acquisitions can provide financial flexibility that may otherwise take decades to achieve.
Transaction proceeds are often used to attract investment, redevelop underutilized assets and create conditions for long-term economic growth – like in Bellflower, California.
Bellflower, California
In 2022, Bellflower completed the sale of its municipal water system to California American Water for $17 million. The sale provided city leaders with a significant source of capital to invest in community facilities, recreational amenities and economic development initiatives designed to strengthen Bellflower's future. Consistent with commitments made during the sale of its municipal water system, approximately $9.96 million in net proceeds were expended or budgeted for investments benefiting residents.
Bellflower also leveraged $6.21 million of utility-related funds and associated earnings to acquire strategically located downtown properties intended to:
- Support construction of high-quality housing
- Revitalize the City's primary commercial corridor
- Attract new commercial tenants
- Encourage additional private investment
- Generate long-term economic benefits for residents
Click here to learn more about the community benefits of water and wastewater system partnerships.