ASLA ADVOCATES ON:

WATER // TRANSPORTATION // PARKS // CLIMATE // LICENSURE

NEW ASLA Utah LOBBYIST on Deck!

The ASLA Utah Executive Committee discussed how to get more actively engaged in the political arena here in Utah. We quickly realized that we lacked the expertise and time required to effectively advocate at the Utah capital, so we made the significant decision to contract with Dave Kallas, a Utah lobbyist to assist us in working behind the scenes to help us defend the profession of landscape architecture and identify areas within our state code and laws where landscape architects are either left out, or our work should be recognized. 

This decision has already changed the game with regard to advocacy. It has been a busy month as we have worked to bring Dave up to speed and craft a strategy leading into the 2024 Utah legislative session. Like most things, so much of politics is about relationships, and he has helped us connect with many people we would have never known about. His efforts helped us bring some key people out for a site tour that helped us share that landscape architecture is much more than what they may know and a profession that is going to be critical to Utah’s future. 

The ASLA Utah Executive Committee unanimously felt that Dave’s efforts will be critical in our advocacy efforts this year and in years to come. However, like any professional consultant who brings expertise to a project, that expertise comes at a cost. Luckily, previous ASLA leadership has been very prudent and we had sufficient funds in our account to cover the immediate expense. However, our leadership team will be looking for ways to cover the ongoing costs because his expertise will likely be an ongoing need as we look to grow support for our work with those making important decisions that will determine the validity of the profession.

Landscape Architects Are Now Allowed to Bid as Prime Contractors on State Projects!

HB343 Design Professional Services Procurement Amendments; Rep. Bridger Bolinder

With the assistance of our new lobbyist, Dave Kallas, ASLA Utah has successfully spearheaded a change in the state of Utah’s Procurement Codes. The revised definition now includes landscape architects under “design professional” and “design professional services” This legislative achievement is pivotal, as it enables state departments to engage licensed landscape architects as prime contractors for projects identified as landscape architecture projects by the department. This is especially important for projects put out for bid by the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM).

The bill passed with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, receiving a vote of 73-0 (2 absent), and in the State Senate, with a vote of 25-0 (4 absent). The bill is now awaiting action by the Governor.

We need to share what we do and the impact of our work. The ASLA Utah Chapter is doing that more than ever, even though much of it is behind the scenes. We need your support as we support what you do.

2024 ADVOCACY DAYS - Utah State Capitol

Given recent developments at the state level that have raised concerns, ASLA Utah has intensified its advocacy efforts, focusing specifically on promoting licensure and advancing the Landscape Architect profession. At the forefront of these endeavors is Dave Kallas of Lobby Utah, whose dedicated efforts during the 2024 General Session at the Capitol have been instrumental in emphasizing the significance of our profession in Utah. In addition to Dave's work, ASLA Utah members have been actively engaging with state representatives to further advocate for the landscape architecture profession.

ASLA Utah organized promotional events in the Capitol Rotunda in January and February, with plans underway for additional events in spring and summer 2024. If you are interested in participating in ASLA Utah Advocacy work and events, contact Thomas Eddington at thomas@inplandesign.com.

Capitol Rotunda Tabling February 21st: Thomas Eddington, VP of Advocacy & Ladd Scheiss, ASLA UT Secretary

Capitol Rotunda Tabling January 24th: Tyler Smithson, VP of Membership & Lars Erickson, President Elect

Advocacy Event - Church Office Building Plaza Tour 2023

Thomas Eddington, VP of Advocacy

In September 2023, ASLA Utah invited Utah State Senators, Representatives, and Governor's Cabinet to participate in a tour of the newly designed and constructed Church Office Building Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City.  The intent was not only to display this wonderful new project but also ensure this influential group of leaders learned a bit more about the field of landscape architecture.

Bryce Ward welcomed the group and then ASLA Utah President, Jake Powell, addressed the attendees before introducing Cory Schupe of Blu Line Designs.  Cory led a tour of his team’s work that resulted in a redesign of this plaza, a showcase for the millions of visitors that walk through this beautiful space every year.  Cory explained the firm’s design ideology as well as the extent of the efforts associated with the plaza redesign and discussed some of the challenges associated with the project.  The discussions with the tour guests centered around the critical role Landscape Architects play in designing projects that enhance the health, welfare and safety of our communities while also protecting our environment.  Cory emphasized the efforts to incorporate water and energy saving measures into the design – his team achieved a greater than 30% reduction in water use for the plaza based on their expertise of waterwise design and plant selection. 

Efforts to educate and advocate for the Landscape Architect profession have been top of mind this year and the new lobbyist, Dave Kallas, was instrumental in helping create and promote this advocacy tour behind the scenes.  This event is the first of a few planned events designed to present the field of landscape architecture to elected officials statewide. ASLA Utah believes it is critically important for our Chapter to continue to advocate for the profession, increase our visibility in the state, and preserve the licensing requirement to practice our profession in the state of Utah.

If you have a project that you believe demonstrates the breadth of the field of landscape architecture and would consider coordinating with ASLA Utah to showcase it to local and state elected officials in the near future, please contact Jenny Sonntag at uaslaexecutivedirector@gmail.com