Advancing Licensure and National Visibility: ASLA at the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit

The ASLA State Government Affairs team attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, Illinois, where staff engaged directly with state legislative leaders and policymakers from across the country. These conversations help build long-term relationships that support chapter advocacy efforts and strengthen the national visibility of the profession.

At the summit, ASLA connected with key legislative leaders, including NCSL President Emeritus Marcus Evans Jr., Illinois State Senator Willie Preston, and Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and his staff. The team also reconnected with Virginia Delegate Kirk McPike and met with District of Columbia Councilmember Robert White, who is positioned to become the District of Columbia’s next U.S. Congressman.

ASLA also engaged with a number of Ohio legislators, including Representatives Elgin Rogers and Andrew Brenner and Senator Bill DeMora, providing additional opportunities to introduce lawmakers to the profession and its value.

Throughout the conference, ASLA engaged with dozens of state legislators, legislative staff, and government affairs professionals. The team shared information about the specialized qualifications of landscape architects, the importance of professional licensure, and the profession’s essential role in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Engagements like the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit are an important part of ASLA’s national advocacy strategy. By building lasting relationships with policymakers and raising the profession’s visibility on a national stage, these efforts help ensure that landscape architects are equipped to continue their essential work in designing safe, resilient, and prosperous communities.