ASLA is pleased to announce the launch of the Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program. This new program is designed to support women of color in their pursuit of licensure and increase racial and gender diversity within the profession. In its inaugural year, the program will provide 10 women of color with a two-year, personalized experience that includes up to $3,500 to cover the cost of sections of the Landscape Architectural Registration Exam (LARE), along with funding for and access to exam preparation courses and resources, and mentorship from a licensed landscape architect. Eligibility information and a link to the application is available on the ASLA website. Applications are due by April 1.
As of Monday, February 28, forty-four states were convened for legislative session. Staff is tracking 172 occupational licensing bills. The state government affairs team has worked closely with several chapters on legislative advocacy initiatives.
Additionally, the White House recently unveiled the Guidebook to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - a roadmap to funding available under the law, which informs the public about what to apply for, who to contact, and available funding.
ASLA has joined with coalition partners and allied organizations in sending a letter to leaders of the House Natural Resources Committee supporting the Environmental Justice for All Act (H.R. 2021, S. 872), which supports more equitable access to parks and recreational opportunities; provide grants for research and program development to improve health in environmental justice communities; codifies the Executive Order calling on federal agencies to conduct environmental justice reviews and strategies; requires the consideratation of cumulative impacts in Clean Water and Clean Air permitting processes; and more. The bill's House sponsor, Chairman Raul Grijalva (AZ) has hosted public listening sessions and congressional hearings on the measure and hopes to continue to move the bill through the legislative process.
State Governments Affairs is also excited to report two states, Kentucky and Illinois, have introduced resolutions recognizing April 26, 2022, as National Frederick Law Olmsted Day. The Kentucky House of Representatives will provide a copy of the resolution to the Kentucky Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. While the Illinois House of Representatives will be presenting a copy of the resolution to the organizers of the Olmsted 200 celebration. The State Government Affairs team encourages all chapters to consider supporting and celebrating Olmsted 200 through the introduction of resolutions at the state or local level. Should you have questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to the State Government Affairs team.
State Government Affairs has worked closely with the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) on high priority occupational licensing issues and states; including engagement with the West Virginia State Partner Coalition. Additionally, ARPL continues to work with a consultant who is developing relationships with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in order to promote the modifications ARPL seeks to make to ALEC's and other anti-licensure organization's model laws.
State Government Affairs staff worked closely with the New Mexico Chapter to successfully amend legislation (HB 191) that would have created reciprocity licensure barriers for landscape architects who've practiced for less than two years. Because of NM ASLA's engagement with the Superintendent of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department an amendment to fix the intent of the bill was successfully passed. This amendment benefited around 10 professions.
State Government Affairs is also working closely with the Idaho/Wyoming Chapter to voice concerns on the creation of a combined landscape architecture and architecture board (SB 1232). This newly created combined board would provide unequal representation, giving architects sole regulatory authority over landscape architecture bests interests.
Please help us fill open vacancies on state landscape architecture boards, both professional and public member vacancies. If you, or a public individual you know, submits an application for a vacancy, please kindly inform ASLA Government Affairs staff.
Oregon Public Members (2) - If you are interested in Board membership, you can read more about Executive Appointments and download an Interest Form (PDF) at the Governor´s website. Or you may contact the Board office for more information on Board membership.
