One of the major benefits of ACEC membership is the opportunity to engage with our political representatives and promote the issues that are important to our industry. The Sierra Chapter works closely with staff at ACEC-CA as well as other Chapters to carry out important work on many political and legislative fronts. Below are a few things to be aware of:

Candidate Support

The ACEC-CA Political Action Committee (CA-ACEC-PAC) was established to support candidates who align with our business goals and objectives. For 2014, ACEC staff and consultants have identified candidates across the State (both incumbents and new faces) that are running for office. If you have a relationship with a candidate that represents all or part of the Sierra Chapter (California Senate or Assembly candidates) and are planning to attend a function for that candidate, please contact me to see if funds have been ear marked for that individual.

State Water Bond (Proposition 1)

ACEC-CA supports the $7.5 billion Water Bond and is soliciting support from our member firms. Each area of the Bond is expected to translate into project work for our members. ACEC-CA made a $250,000 donation to Governor Brown’s Yes on Proposition 1 Campaign from our issues fund and is asking all member firms to support it as well. You can get additional information on the Bond and how to donate at this link: http://www.acec-ca.org/doc.asp?id=2435.

Legislative Visit Day

In 2015, Legislative Visit Day will be held on March 25th and not associated with the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet (to be held January 15, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency). This change will enable our members to have better access to legislators as well as minimize other conflicts with Capitol activities. Stay tuned for more information on this important event.