MCWRA Announces Assemblymember Diane Papan as 2025 Legislator of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCWRA Names Assemblymember Diane Papan

as Inaugural 2025 Legislator of the Year

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES, Calif. December 1, 2025 – The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) is proud to announce Assemblymember Diane Papan as the inaugural recipient of the MCWRA Legislator of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership, partnership, and dedicated advocacy on behalf of California’s Sierra Nevada headwaters and the communities that rely on them.

“Assemblymember Papan has been a tremendous partner to the Mountain Counties Region,” said Scott Ratterman, President of MCWRA. “Her leadership, accessibility, and commitment to thoughtful policymaking embody exactly what this new award is designed to recognize. We are honored to have her as our first Legislator of the Year.”

The new award—established in 2025—will be presented annually at MCWRA’s Fall Water Forum to highlight state leaders who champion policies advancing water reliability, forest health, and watershed resilience. Assemblymember Papan, who serves as Chair of the Assembly Water Resources Committee, was unanimously recommended by the MCWRA Legislative Committee and affirmed by the Board of Directors.

Assemblymember Papan’s selection reflects her exceptional engagement with MCWRA members, including participation in various regional member tours, direct dialogue with agency leaders during Legislative Advocacy Day, and her strong leadership in elevating issues critical to the region’s headwaters and statewide water security.

Michael Saunders, MCWRA Legislative Chair, added: “Our Legislative Committee was unanimous in its recommendation. Assemblymember Papan consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of headwaters issues and a willingness to learn about the unique needs of our member agencies. Her engagement has been genuine, proactive, and highly valued. She sets a high bar for future honorees.”

Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Mission is to promote the statewide importance of Sierra Nevada water resources through advocacy and collaboration.  Our vision is to be the premiere advocate to influence water policy and protection of the Sierra Nevada watershed.  This Mission is realized through strengthening Members’ regional leadership, collaboration, information sharing, issue awareness, education, advocacy, and potential legislative action or legal support.

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