S5:E4 Faster Funding and Innovation in Earthquake Coverage

S5:E4 Faster Funding and Innovation in Earthquake Coverage

Earthquakes are an inevitable reality for California public agencies, making immediate access to recovery funds critical. In this episode of JPIA Five, Deputy Executive Officer Jennifer Jobe sits down with Alex Tokar, Managing Director at Aon Risk and Insurance, to break down ACWA JPIA’s new parametric earthquake coverage program. Learn how this innovative, data-driven model bypasses the traditional claims adjustment process to deliver rapid funding within days of a qualifying seismic event, offering members a more stable, equitable, and proactive tool for disaster preparedness.

S5:E3 Insights on Hazard Mitigation and Federal Funding Pathways

This special episode of the JPIA 5 podcast features a live session from the 2026 ACWA JPIA Spring Membership Summit focused on hazard mitigation planning and federal funding opportunities. Hear practical insights and lessons learned from water agency leaders and emergency planning professionals as they discuss resilience, infrastructure protection, grant funding pathways, and the importance of long-term planning.

S5:E2 Stronger Together: Ernie Avila on the Partnership Supporting California Water Agencies

In this episode of JPIA Five, CEO Adrienne Beatty speaks with Ernie Avila, President of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and Board President of Contra Costa Water District, about leadership, partnership, and the critical role risk pools play in supporting California water agencies. Ernie shares insights from his time serving on both the ACWA and ACWA JPIA leadership teams, exploring the strong connection between advocacy and risk management, and highlighting how collaboration between ACWA and ACWA JPIA helps agencies maintain reliable service 24/7. Key themes include: • Why the partnership between ACWA and ACWA JPIA forms a foundational support system for water agencies • The value of prevention-focused risk management and safety culture • How the risk pool model strengthens resilience within the water community • Why JPIA should be viewed as a service continuity partner - not just a budget line item

S5:E1 Cyber Confidence: Tools, Training, and Real-World Protection

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, ACWA JPIA's Director of Pooled Programs Jennifer Jobe sits down with our very own Cybersecurity Risk Specialist, Hunter Sargent to break down what cyber risk really means for water agencies. Drawing from his experience in the U.S. Air Force and National Security Agency, Hunter explains how today’s threats to public infrastructure overlap with national defense concerns and why water agencies remain a key target. More importantly, the conversation focuses on practical support. Hunter shares how ACWA JPIA partners with members to strengthen cyber resilience through external vulnerability scanning, phishing simulations, tabletop exercises, and ongoing training. Whether your agency has a full IT department or relies on a managed service provider, this episode outlines accessible steps to reduce risk and build confidence.

S4 E14: Navigating California’s Property Insurance Market: Insights from Aon and ACWA JPIA

Join Jennifer Jobe, Director of Pooled Programs at ACWA JPIA, as she sits down with Alex Tokar, Managing Director at Aon, for an insightful conversation on the current state of California’s property insurance market. They’ll explore the latest trends in property insurance availability and pricing, challenges facing the industry, and how ACWA JPIA is strategically navigating this evolving landscape. Don’t miss this timely discussion packed with expert insights and practical takeaways for water agencies and risk management professionals.