03/25/2026

Message from Beth--March 25, 2026

At its March meeting, the ACEC Ohio Board of Directors approved a new three-year advocacy plan, positioning the organization through 2029. The plan marks a move away from short‑term, session-based advocacy and emphasizes expanding the education and ongoing relationship‑building work we already do, with targeted legislative action when the timing is appropriate. Members interested in helping shape how key issues are communicated across the membership and to our elected officials are encouraged to get involved.

ACEC Ohio Advocacy Plan

Education is the foundation of the plan. Over the next three years, ACEC Ohio will focus on building understanding among legislators, agencies, and stakeholders on the value of engineering, infrastructure investment, and sound policy. This effort will be supported by ACEC Ohio committees, which will work collaboratively to deliver education, engage partners, and identify opportunities for legislative progress.

The advocacy plan is centered on four core pillars:

Protect and Strengthen Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS): Reinforcing the use of qualifications—not low bid—in procuring engineering services to protect public safety and ensure quality outcomes.

Secure Long-Term Infrastructure Funding: Advancing stable, predictable funding solutions that align with Ohio’s long-term infrastructure and economic needs.

Advance Procurement and Contracting Reform: Promoting policies and practices that reduce administrative burden and better reflect the business realities of engineering services.

Strengthen the Engineering Workforce Pipeline: Supporting efforts to grow, attract, and retain engineering talent while protecting licensure standards.

As implementation begins, ACEC Ohio invites members to contribute to the communications effort, helping ensure that advocacy priorities are clearly articulated and broadly understood across the membership.  Please email me or Lexi Francis if you are interested in participating on a task force to help with the communication efforts.

With spring in the air, we are energized and thankful for an engaged ACEC Ohio membership!

~Beth