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Om Khurjekar, ASLA Trustee MDASLA
Dear Friends, Hope you are having a great fall. First, I wanted to thank everyone for participating and encouraging your chapters to participate in PARK(ing) Day on September 20th. There were approximately 270 posts nationally, with #ASLAParkingDay, which reached nearly 200,000 people, and countless stories on Instagram. We really appreciate all of the effort everyone puts into PARK(ing) Day each year.
Now a few key highlights from National ASLA;
ASLA was an active participant in Climate Week from September 23-27, devoting many of its communications vehicles to that issue with unified messaging. ASLA started the week by designing a climate change-themed parklet for PARK(ing) Day on September 20. During the week, ASLA announced support for the U.N. Climate Action Summit and focused on the ASLA-backed Living Shorelines Act, which cleared another hurdle in Congress. We also highlighted our Smart Policies for a Changing Climate exhibition and website, climate change-focused general sessions at the 2019 Conference in San Diego, and other resources on social media and the website. In addition, President Shawn Kelly’s statement on Climate Week highlighting ASLA’s long-standing commitment to the issue was sent via email to all members.
As a part of climate week, ASLA advocates sent over 1,200 messages to Congress urging support for the Living Shorelines legislation. After hearing from advocates, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported H.R. 3115, the Living Shorelines Act, out of committee by a 22-13 vote. The measure would help coastal and shoreline communities develop and construct green infrastructure projects that mitigate the effects of climate-related flooding, sea-level rise, and increased storm surge. It’s now ready for consideration by the full House of Representatives. ASLA will continue its advocacy efforts to move the bill through the process and to urge senators to take action on a companion measure.
The annual awards issue of LAM is now available, featuring the 2019 ASLA Student Awards, Professional Awards, and the Landmark Award, as well as the ASLA Honors. The issue, at 228 pages, is available free to everyone here—please share liberally. This month, LAM will be releasing online features about several of the honored projects previously covered by the magazine. A total of 64 awards were given across both programs and a special awards website also launched yesterday to promote the winners. Enjoy!
Time is running out to save! The October 16 advance rate deadline for registration and rooms is quickly approaching! Register today!
As always, I would like to end with my usual plug, we need volunteers to serve on our committees and bring in fresh ideas. If you wish to contribute to this effort and the profession, please feel free to reach out to us at director@marylandasla.org
Have a wonderful month ahead!