Meet Jose
Water Professional. Financial Leader. Public Servant.
Jose Velasquez serves as the Division 1 Director on the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors, bringing more than 15 years of professional experience in the water industry to the communities he represents.
Jose has dedicated his career to helping public water agencies responsibly manage the resources entrusted to them. His experience includes financial planning, budgeting, accounting, cash and investment management, infrastructure financing, water rates, debt administration, and long-term capital planning.
That experience has shaped his approach to public service: protect taxpayer dollars, plan for the long term, and make decisions based on what is best for the communities we serve.
A Record of Financial Leadership
Throughout his professional career, Jose has helped water agencies improve financial management, strengthen transparency, and fund critical infrastructure.
Among his professional accomplishments, Jose helped secure approximately $47 million in low-interest financing at a 1.1% interest rate for the Oliver P. Roemer Water Filtration Facility Upgrade and Expansion Project.
He has also helped lead organizations recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting, budgeting, and financial transparency.
Jose understands that strong financial management is not simply about balancing numbers. It is about protecting the public’s money while ensuring communities can continue investing in the infrastructure and water resources they need.
Serving on the Water Board
Jose was appointed to represent Division 1 in January 2025.
Since joining the Board, he has focused on fiscal responsibility, water reliability, infrastructure investment, and protecting taxpayers.
In 2026, Jose made the motion to reduce the District’s property tax rate from $0.11 to $0.04 per $100 of assessed value—a nearly 64% reduction expected to leave nearly $60 million with taxpayers this year.
The reduction demonstrates the type of approach Jose brings to the Board: maintain the District’s long-term financial strength while looking for opportunities to return savings directly to the people it serves.
Rooted in Our Community
Jose is a longtime Inland Empire resident, husband and father of two daughters.
His commitment to public service extends beyond his professional career. He has spent years working with youth and community organizations and understands that the decisions made by public agencies ultimately affect families, neighborhoods, and future generations.
For Jose, water reliability is personal.
The infrastructure and water resources we invest in today must be capable of serving our children and grandchildren tomorrow.
Education & Professional Background
Jose earned his Master of Business Administration from California Baptist University and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, San Bernardino.
His water-industry training and certifications include experience in water distribution and water-use efficiency, complementing his extensive background in public finance.
A Commitment to Division 1
As your Director, Jose will continue working to:
Protect taxpayer dollars
Strengthen regional water reliability
Invest responsibly in critical infrastructure
Pursue grants and alternative funding opportunities
Promote transparency and accountability
Protect our water resources for future generations
“It is an honor to represent Division 1. I will continue working to ensure that every decision we make protects taxpayers and strengthens the long-term water future of our communities.”
Vote Jose Velasquez
San Bernardino Valley Water Board — Division 1
November 3, 2026
