Federal Advocacy
After passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the federal government began allocating funding to states and localities for economic stimulus projects that can create employment opportunities and promote economic growth in local communities. State and local governments have received stimulus funding and currently are awarding contracts, grants and loans to complete these projects. However, currently, some federal agencies still have untapped funding available for federal stimulus projects. ASLA has developed a guide to current federal stimulus opportunities that landscape architects and other designer professionals may find beneficial.
In a letter to President Barack Obama , ASLA President Angela Dye, FASLA and Executive Vice President Nancy Somerville urged the Obama Administration to develop a national stimulus package that includes infrastructure projects that will create safe, healthy, livable communities. The letter includes a list of policy and funding recommendations that utilize and promote landscape architectural techniques for creating safe recreational spaces and pedestrian and bicycle friendly communities, for managing our water resources, and for planning and designing sustainable transportation corridors. ASLA also urged the consideration of tax breaks for small businesses during these difficult economic times.
On Tuesday, February 17th, President Barack Obama signed H.R. 1, The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which would provide approximately $789 billion in tax cuts and spending to help jumpstart our nation’s lagging economy. The White House and Congressional leaders estimate that the package would create or save 3.5 million jobs over next two years. The final stimulus package also includes a number of provisions important to landscape architects. More information on implementation of the stimulus package and other recovery efforts can be found in ASLA's guide to economic recovery opportunities.
State Advocacy
Business Practices: ASLA tracks legislation that directly impacts landscape architecture firms, including forming professional corporations and imposing taxes on professional services. Track legislation
Contracting for Professional Services: ASLA tracks legislation that changes how states contract for design services, including qualifications based selection.
Track legislation
Professional Regulation: Legislation that establishes, changes, or otherwise impacts the regulation of landscape architecture. Track legislation
Advocacy Partners
American Institute of Architects
American Planning Association
Resources
Opportunities:
ASLA Opportunities
Developing New Skills in the Economic Downturn
Recovery.gov
U.S. News & World Report - Best Careers 2009
Research:
“Green Cities: How Urban Sustainability Efforts Can and Must Drive America’s Climate Change Policies,” Living Cities, May, 2009
“U.S. Metro Economies: Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy,” The United States Conference of Mayors, October, 2008
General Resources:
Code of Federal Regulations
Federal Courts
Federal Government Web Portal – FirstGov
Federal Register
The Official Daily Publication of Federal Rules, Notices of
Rule Making Procedures, and Agency Announcements
Government Printing Office
Small Business Administration
Thomas - House/Senate Bills & Resolutions
The White House
The Supreme Court
U.S. Code – Federal Statutes
U.S. House
U.S. House Legislative Calendar
U.S Senate
U.S. Senate Legislative Calendar
US Army Corps Of Engineers Contracting Page
