Welcome from the MHFD Board Chair: Mayor Jan Kulmann (City of Thornton)
A welcome message from MHFD's Board Chair

Executive Director's Message: Laura Kroeger
How MHFD is moving from being a knowledge organization to being a learning and connecting organization

Breaking the Binary: Moving a Flood Risk Idea to a Program: David Anderson
MHFD has established a comprehensive Flood Risk program, shifting from binary floodplain mapping to quantitative risk scoring that enables clearer, data-driven prioritization and readiness. We're now ready to move from planning to production with local partners.

From Dams to Data: A Collaborative Approach to Beaver Management: Brandon Cary
Beavers create both flooding challenges and restoration opportunities. Learn how MHFD pairs data-driven monitoring with interagency collaboration to guide adaptive beaver management—what works, what we’ve learned, and why partnerships matter.

Leading the Dynamic Watershed: Shifting from Execution to Vision: Jon Villines
As technology automates the technical “how,” professional value shifts to the strategic “what.” Explore MHFD’s 10-year vision for a Dynamic Watershed model and how emerging tools free time for creativity, relationships, and better outcomes for communities.

People Aren't the Barrier - They're the Path: Christin Shepherd and Katie Kerstiens
A candid look at outreach lessons learned—how shifting from information delivery to listening, trust-building, and relationships led to smoother processes and far more effective outcomes.

Break

New Faces at the District
A brief introduction to MHFD's newest hires

Stream Management Academy: Come for the Content, Stay for the People: Christin Shepherd
Ten years in, we’ve learned the Stream Management Academy isn’t just a training program—it’s a network. This session reflects on how the program has evolved and how connection continues to shape what's next.

14 Years and Counting at the Region’s First Streetside Stormwater Planter: Brik Zivkovich and Holly PizaMHFD has been conducting research at a bioretention basin in Lakewood for over a decade. We’ll share what we’ve learned so far about reducing nutrient export, maximizing stormwater reduction, designing for maintenance, and more.

Stream Management Services!  What's New?  Mary Powell
MHFD’s Environmental Services has become Stream Management Services. Learn why the change matters, what it supports, and get updates on the wide range of work the SMS team delivers across the district.

One Roof, Two Roof: Green Roof, Blue Roof… Purple Roof? Candice Owen
MHFD partnered with the State Engineer’s Office to expand flexibility for rooftop systems. This session highlights key policy changes and updates to related design criteria.

A Stream Reborn in Tight Quarters: Jen Winters and Teresa Patterson
A recap of an urban restoration in a tight drainage corridor, showing how flood risk reduction and community amenities emerged through strong champions, cross‑department coordination, neighborhood planning, and a little serendipity.

MHFD Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Shafer
A celebration of one of the most impactful construction superintendents to ever work in our industry

Lunch

Balancing Design, Utilities, and Integrated Water Quality on Westerly Creek at Stanley Marketplace: Colin Haggerty
What began as a water quality pond became a restored creek and community destination by maintaining flexibility and a learning mindset—demonstrating how adaptability during design and construction can deliver stronger outcomes for infrastructure and community alike.

The Cattail Conundrum: Balancing Function, Flow, and Diversity: KristiLee Halpin and Nate Schipper (City of Boulder)
Cattails often dominate slow‑moving, shallow systems, reducing diversity and impairing conveyance and floodplain function. This presentation compares cattail management methods and shares practical, low‑impact strategies to improve plant diversity in restoration projects.

MHFD's Growing Development Service Enterprise: Past, Present & Future: Ashlee Grace
Since 2017, MHFD’s Development Service Enterprise has grown through innovative partnerships; this session reviews past Development Improvement Projects and outlines priorities for the years ahead.

Everything is Data: Brik Zivkovich
Stormwater management runs on data—much of it more connected than we think. This session explores how linking existing systems enables AI, real‑time forecasting, and smarter decisions for a more aligned industry and better‑protected communities.

The Vision for Education and Outreach: David Skuodas
Learn about MHFD's enhanced focus on industry education and better project based outreach

Break

Experts to Orchestrators: A Generational Shift in How Program Managers Move Projects Forward: Kyle Donovan, Dan Hill, Kurt Bauer, Andy Stewart, and Mary Powell
A panel on the evolving role of the DCM Program Manager—from technical expert to connector and facilitator—exploring how bridging disciplines, removing barriers, and aligning people and priorities is shaping stronger project outcomes through real‑world experience.

Permission to Dream: Drew Roberts
An inspiring call to action including some lessons learned from history.