Chapters Taking Action: Success at State Advocacy Days

ASLA Chapters lead State Advocacy Days, showing why proactive capitol visits protect licensure and advance public policy.

Chapters Taking Action: Success at State Advocacy Days

State Advocacy Days are one of the most powerful ways for landscape architects to protect the profession and shape public policy. By visiting state capitol offices, members can build personal relationships with lawmakers and ensure the voice of the profession is heard. Recent efforts in Florida and Kansas show exactly how being proactive leads to real results.

Florida: Defeating Deregulation Through Coordinated Action

The Florida Chapter recently secured a major victory by stopping a bill that threatened to deregulate the profession. After meeting in person with legislators and sending a strong wave of advocacy letters from landscape architecture firms, the Chapter received encouraging news: the House decided to table the deregulation bill (HB 607) for the rest of the session.

This success highlights how important it is to engage early. While the threat has been paused for 2026, the Chapter continues to monitor the session closely to protect the professional standing of landscape architects.

Kansas: Building Relationships and Advancing Standards

The Kansas Chapter saw record-breaking participation this year, with double the attendance of their previous Advocacy Day. Members focused on educating officials about how landscape architects are an essential part of the design and construction industry. They shared how the profession solves complex problems through stormwater management, economic development, and community resiliency. By researching individual representatives beforehand, advocates were able to discuss specific topics, like tree ordinances, that mattered most to their local officials. A major highlight was connecting with Representative Robyn Essex, who expressed strong interest in the "Uniform Standard" for licensure.

Why Your Chapter Should Be Proactive

Legislators cannot support what they do not understand. When chapters visit their State Capitols, they move beyond being just a name on a screen to becoming a trusted resource for their representatives. Being proactive allows chapters to:

• Educate: Explain the technical expertise required to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

• Influence: Stop harmful legislation before it gains momentum.

• Lead: Introduce proactive solutions like the Uniform Standard to improve professional mobility.

2026 State Advocacy Days

ASLA is proud to recognize the following chapters that have conducted or are currently planning their 2026 State Advocacy Days:

• Florida - February 3

• Kansas - February 3

• Georgia - February 10

• Arizona - February 25

• Missouri - February 25

• Iowa - March 19

• Kentucky - March 24

• Illinois - March 25

• NYSCLA - May 5

• North Carolina - June 16

Is your chapter planning a State Advocacy Day? Let the ASLA Government Affairs team know at [email protected] so we can provide tools and guidance for a successful event.