08/26/2026

Message from Beth -- August 26, 2026

Thank you to the 53 members who participated in ACEC Ohio’s 2025–2026 Membership Survey. Your feedback gives us a better picture of what members value most and where you want ACEC Ohio to focus next.

The survey questions were developed around ACEC Ohio’s four Strategic Plan objectives for 2025–2028: advocate for the business of engineering, member value and ROI, member engagement and workforce development. This allowed us to measure progress while also asking members directly about the issues and services that matter most to their firms. Below is an overview of the feedback we received:

Members Value ACEC Ohio.

88% of respondents indicating they are either satisfied or very satisfied with their ACEC Ohio membership. Similarly, 84% agreed or strongly agreed that ACEC Ohio delivers measurable value to their organization, while 87% agreed or strongly agreed that ACEC Ohio understands the challenges facing their firm.

Advocacy is ACEC Ohio’s greatest value.
Government Affairs & Advocacy was selected by 75% of respondents as a top member benefit. Members also rated ACEC Ohio’s advocacy highly, with 75% describing it as extremely or very effective.

Infrastructure funding is a top concern.
When asked about advocacy priorities for the next three years, 47% selected long-term transportation and infrastructure funding, protect qualifications-based selection (QBS) was selected by 32%, and strengthening the engineering workforce pipeline by 23%.

Members want opportunities to connect and participate.
Networking was the second-highest valued benefit at 58%. Members identified lack of time as the biggest barriers to committee involvement but also want to know how to find opportunities at ACEC Ohio.  To understand where to find information on ACEC Ohio and our efforts, see our newsletter article from last month: Where to Find the Information You Need from ACEC Ohio

Workforce remains a critical challenge.
Workforce availability was the top business challenge, identified by 55% of respondents, followed by public funding levels at 47% and competition for talent at 40%. Members want ACEC Ohio to emphasize leadership development, young professional development, recruiting resources and mentorship/university outreach.

Members want practical training for today’s business environment.
Leadership development, project management, and AI and automation were among requested training topics. Already planned are PSMJ PM Bootcamp training in January and our lunch time webinar series throughout the year as well as the YP events in our four chapters.

The message is clear, members value ACEC Ohio’s advocacy and industry representation, but they also want meaningful opportunities to engage, stronger communication about our impact, and resources that help their firms address workforce and business challenges.

We appreciate your feedback. Your input will help shape ACEC Ohio’s priorities, programs and communications as we continue implementing the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. Click here for full results of the member survey.

~Beth