DEI Programming & Projects

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) released their Racial Equity Action Plan - a Five-Point Plan to continue the process of eradicating the systems and structures within the landscape architecture profession and larger design community that have resulted in limited opportunities and recognition of the deserving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals who've led and produced important, ground-breaking, and honorable work.

"ASLA and its members reject bigotry and racism in all its forms, and anti-Black racism in particular, as wrong and fundamentally inconsistent with our mission and values," said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of ASLA. "ASLA is putting that conviction into action. ASLA is in the business of changing the world through the art and science of design. Our Five-Point Racial Equity Plan of Action is the next progression of our journey together."

The plan sets actionable goals and benchmarks for the organization and for the landscape architecture profession. These include:

• Diversifying the pipeline
• Acknowledging racism in the profession and honoring the forgotten
• Reshaping the conversation and transforming frameworks
• Leading through education, conversion, and advocacy
• Maintaining meaningful, measurable progress

ASLA remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for landscape architects, advance climate resilience, and champion equitable, community-driven design. These principles are the foundation of our work, as outlined in Vision 2030, and they will continue to guide us.

As evolving federal policy changes affect our profession, we are taking deliberate, strategic action to protect our members’ interests and uphold our core values.

Our approach is not to react impulsively, but to lead with intention—ensuring that ASLA’s efforts are effective, disciplined, and aligned with our long-term goals.

We are focusing on critical issues where we can have the greatest impact. We expect these priority areas to evolve and change over time. Currently, we are focusing on: 

• Protecting Funding
• Supporting Public Practitioners
• Defending Design Freedom
• Reaffirming Climate Action
• Championing Diversity & Representation For All
• Strengthening Businesses

Learn more at Our Beliefs & Our Actions

In 2013, ASLA convened its first Diversity Summit with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of why landscape architecture is failing to attract a more diverse profile. Each summit has brought together a group of experienced and emerging landscape architects who from underrepresented communities to design strategies to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the field. Past participants of the Diversity Summit community continue to collaborate around projects and initiatives that inform National ASLA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.

Launched in 2019, ASLA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar Series is designed to support and advance the work of ASLA’s passionate leaders dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable workforce. Webinars eligible for professional development hours (PDH) online are available on ASLA Online Learning for ASLA's Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System™ (LA CES™)-approved offerings, which also includes a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webinar topic areas.