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Landscape Architects Belong at the Table
ASLA’s new Civic Engagement Program is helping landscape architects turn their expertise into public leadership.
Landscape architects help shape the places where people live, work, gather, and connect. But many of the decisions affecting those places are made in city halls, public agencies, planning commissions, design review boards, and elected offices.
ASLA wants more landscape architects at those tables.
That’s why ASLA is launching the Civic Engagement Program, a new initiative designed to help landscape architects explore pathways to public leadership through appointments to public boards and commissions or by running for elected office. The program will provide members with practical guidance, professional training, and tools to translate their expertise and leadership experience into public service.
Join Us in Los Angeles
The Civic Engagement Program will officially launch at the 2026 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles. If you have ever considered serving on a public board or commission—or wondered what it might take to run for elected office—join us for the kickoff.
Civic Engagement Program Kickoff
Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Los Angeles Convention Center | Room 306
Space is limited. Reserve your spot today.
Hear from Landscape Architects Who Have Taken the Step
The kickoff will bring together professional trainers who specialize in preparing individuals for public appointments and elected office, along with landscape architects who have firsthand experience in public leadership.
Confirmed panelists include Mia Lehrer, FASLA, founder and president of Studio-MLA and a nationally recognized leader with extensive experience in civic leadership; The Honorable Sam Creekmore, PLA, a landscape architect and member of the Mississippi House of Representatives; and Stephanie Landregan, FASLA, whose public service includes an appointment to the California State Mining and Geology Board.
Through a candid, moderated conversation, attendees will hear about the panelists’ paths to public service, lessons learned along the way, and advice for landscape architects considering similar opportunities—and how ASLA can help members take the next step toward public leadership.
Two Pathways to Public Leadership
The Civic Engagement Program will provide ASLA members with professional training and practical guidance through two tracks:
Civic Appointments Track: For members interested in serving on public boards, commissions, and similar bodies. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities, navigate the appointments process, and position themselves as strong candidates.
Running for Elected Office Track: For members interested in exploring elected public leadership. Participants will learn what it takes to become a candidate and develop the knowledge and skills needed to consider a run for office.
Landscape architects bring valuable expertise to decisions about land use, transportation, parks, water, resilience, public space, and the future of our communities. The Civic Engagement Program creates a pathway to bring that expertise directly to the tables where decisions are made.
You do not need to have identified a commission you want to join or decided that you are ready to run for office. An interest in serving your community is enough to start the conversation.
If you are attending the 2026 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles, join us on September 17 and explore what public leadership could look like for you.
Can’t join us in Los Angeles? You can still be part of the Civic Engagement Program. Email [email protected] to express your interest and learn more about upcoming opportunities to participate.