Michigan Poised for Success
Legislation to enact practice act ready to move ahead.

After a turbulent summer, Michigan landscape architects are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work for an active legislative autumn. As previously reported, Governor Jennifer Granholm abolished the landscape architecture licensing board in May in an effort to streamline government and cut costs.

The Michigan ASLA Chapter worked with the Governor’s office in an effort to reverse the decision, but Governor Granholm decided to uphold the action as the state faces a deep budget crisis. Despite this decision, the dialogue made it clear that Governor Granholm has a great deal of respect for the landscape architecture profession and will support the upgrade of the licensing law to a practice act. The decision to abolish the board was strictly based upon the inactivity of the board under the current title act.

As the board situation became clearer, the chapter was ready to turn its attention back to the legislation, which had passed the Senate before the legislature adjourned in December 2006. Some revisions were necessary to reflect the loss of the board, but the proposed legislation remains a clear-cut upgrade to the law so that it will regulate both the practice of landscape architecture and the use of the title “landscape architect.”

With a new session beginning this year, the legislation must begin the process anew in the Senate, with first committee hearings expected as soon as early October. Even with the diversion of the loss of the licensing board, the Michigan chapter is well organized and positioned for success as they advocate for a practice act.

Julia Lent is the director of federal affairs. Contact her at jlent@asla.org or by phone at 202-216-2330.