Advocacy
4t h A n nu al A S L A A d v o ca c y S u m m i t
ASLA Chapter representatives, including BSLA President-
This year, the Summit concentrated on the efforts across the
nation to alter state professional licensure. ASLA Government
Affairs Director Julia Lent detailed the various threats across the
nation. Attendees were given perspective on how organized
efforts nationally are promoting drastic licensure changes in the
states. Attention then focused on how to anticipate and
counter threats to deregulation. The Michigan chapter shared
their experiences in fighting off professional licensure deregulation.
Advocates focused on tools to help prepare their chapters to plan
a long and short-term strategic advocacy plan. Attendees took the
lessons learned and applied them to their own experiences during a
breakout session intended to give advocates time to start to craft
their own strategic plan. In addition, a session detailed retaining
and working with a lobbyist was held. Issues such as cost, scope of
work, and contracting with a lobbyist were covered in great detail.
ASLA staff and members are strong advocates of government
advocacy on behalf of landscape architects. Significant resources
are provided to chapters such as BSLA are well-prepared to
advocate for their landscape architects.
50 BSLA
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Photograph courtesy of Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Elect Tim Nickerson, gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, for the 4th
Annual ASLA Advocacy Summit. Over the course of two days in
July, 39 chapter representatives participated in sessions focused
on providing chapters information on how to successfully face the
legislative challenges facing today’s landscape architects.