Virtual Advocacy Day Recap
- 6 hours ago
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On July 22, Maryland ASLA President Patrick Whealton, President-Elect Michael Humes, Member-at-Large Julie Soss, and Potomac ASLA Treasurer Amy Sommer represented our profession during ASLA's Virtual Advocacy Day. Our delegation met with the offices of Maryland Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen to discuss two federal priorities that directly impact the work of landscape architects and the communities we serve.
Our first priority was protecting and strengthening the Transportation Alternatives Program as Congress begins work on the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. As the nation's largest dedicated source of federal funding for bicycle, pedestrian, and trail projects, the program supports safer multimodal transportation networks, healthier communities, and stronger local economies.
We also encouraged both senators to cosponsor the Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act, legislation that would establish a competitive grant program to transform aging schoolyards into greener, healthier, and more resilient outdoor learning environments. The bill supports the planning, design, and construction of green schoolyards that improve student health, manage stormwater, expand tree canopy, and create lasting community assets.
Advocacy remains one of the most important ways our profession can demonstrate the value of landscape architecture to policymakers and stakeholders. We are grateful to both congressional offices for taking the time to discuss these important issues, and we appreciate their continued partnership on priorities that strengthen Maryland's communities. Together, we continue to ensure that landscape architects are in the room and at the table whenever key decisions are being made to shape healthier, more resilient, and better-connected communities.
Learn more about these important federal priorities in the downloadable PDFs below, and please consider contacting your Representative and Senators to voice your support.
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