The California Water Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) is a hub for water research, extension, and education programs in California. CIWR collaborates with researchers, agencies, and communities to support applied research projects that address water management challenges in California. Through our projects, we focus on systems approaches to identify ways to adapt California's existing water policies and infrastructure for 21st century needs. We value working across disciplines and institutions through communities of practice, which foster a future generation of water researchers in California.