WestWater Research is excited to welcome Richard Bagans as our newest Associate as we expand our office in Austin, TX. Richard’s focus will be economics and valuation analysis, water rights transactions research, market analysis, policy analysis, and water supply assessments.
Richard brings water resource planning and policy expertise from the Texas Water Development Board, where he was instrumental in developing the State Water Plan and spearheading the first-ever State Flood Plan. His work took him across Texas to meet with water leaders at municipal utilities, irrigation districts, and regional planning groups, building relationships and understanding the diverse challenges facing water managers in every corner of the state. He also managed regional flood planning grant portfolios and built decision-support tools that guided executive allocation of billions in water infrastructure financing.
“We are excited to welcome Richard Bagans to WestWater Research as our newest team member in Texas,” said Chris Smith, Chief Operating Officer of WestWater Research. “Texas faces increasingly complex water resource challenges, and Richard’s expertise in water economics and policy will be instrumental as we expand our capabilities to support the state’s growing needs.”
Richard recently completed his MBA from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, where he expanded his capabilities in consulting, financial analysis, valuation, and business analytics. His B.S. in Hydrogeology from The University of Texas at Austin provides his technical scientific foundation.
“Climate change, population growth, competing demands—Texas water is at an inflection point,” said Richard. “WestWater is helping clients navigate that future, and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping those strategies.”