Civic Engagement Program

Landscape architects shape the places where people live, work, and play. ASLA’s Civic Engagement Program helps members bring their expertise to public leadership, from boards to elected office.


Are you ready to fill this vacant seat? Join us on September 17th for the program kickoff at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles.

Landscape architects bring valuable expertise to decisions about parks, transportation, water, public spaces, resilience, and community development. Many of those decisions are made by public boards, commissions, councils, and other governing bodies.

ASLA wants more landscape architects at those tables.

For landscape architects already involved in civic leadership, those considering public service, and members who want to understand how their expertise can make an impact beyond traditional practice.

Torey video.

Civic Engagement Program Kickoff

Join ASLA in Los Angeles for the launch of the Civic Engagement Program and hear directly from landscape architects who are already putting their expertise to work in public leadership.

[RESERVE YOUR SEAT]

Civic Engagement Program Kickoff

Where The Program Goes Next

The Los Angeles kickoff is the beginning of a broader ASLA initiative to help landscape architects explore pathways into public leadership.

A virtual learning series for landscape architects interested in serving on planning commissions, parks and recreation boards, design review boards, water boards, and other appointed public bodies.

A future program pathway for landscape architects interested in exploring how their professional expertise and leadership experience can translate into elected public service.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program is designed for landscape architects interested in expanding their impact through public service, whether through an appointed position or elected office.

No. The program is designed for landscape architects at all experience levels who want to explore opportunities to serve and lead in their communities.

No. The Los Angeles kickoff will introduce the program, but attendance is not required to participate in future programming.

The program will continue with a Civic Appointments Track featuring 4–6 virtual sessions, followed by a future track for landscape architects interested in running for elected office.

The Civic Appointments Track is expected to begin in November 2026 and will include 4–6 virtual sessions. Additional details, including the full schedule, will be announced soon.

The Civic Appointments Track is complimentary, courtesy of ASLA. Additional information about costs for the Running for Elected Office Track will be shared as that program is finalized.

Application details and information on how to participate will be available soon on the ASLA website.

The program will explore pathways to planning commissions, design review boards, parks and recreation boards, water boards, and other public bodies.

Yes. A future track will help landscape architects explore the process of running for and serving in elected office.

For questions about the Civic Engagement Program, contact ASLA Government Affairs at [email protected].