The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has joined the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL), combining forces with other professional organizations determined to ensure that the public’s health, safety, and welfare are protected by strong licensure requirements nationwide.
“The practice of landscape architecture includes keeping the public safe from hazards, such as those brought on by security threats, natural disasters, and climate change. For the sake of public protection and to ensure practice competency, ASLA worked hard to ensure landscape architecture is a licensed profession throughout the country. Now those licensure laws are in jeopardy,” said Elizabeth Hebron, Director of State Government Affairs at ASLA.
In the past four years, ASLA has responded to numerous state licensure threats across the nation, including direct attempts to deregulate landscape architecture. One of ASLA’s highest priorities is ensuring the continuation of professional licensure for landscape architects in all 50 states. By bringing together the combined influence of several professional organizations of advanced professions, ARPL aims to educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of high standards, rigorous education, and extensive experience required to practice highly-technical professions like landscape architecture safely.
“Becoming a member of ARPL and joining forces with so many other advanced professional organizations will help us amplify our licensure education and advocacy efforts as we face the challenges ahead,” Hebron added.
Background on ARPL
The Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) aims to educate policymakers and the public on the importance of high standards, rigorous education, and extensive experience within highly complex, technical professions that are relied upon to protect public health, safety, and welfare, and enhance public trust. They seek to offer best practices and solutions drawn from experience to serve as models that work for the public and members of a given profession.
The Alliance advocates for licensing practices within professions that deliver uniform qualifications, standards, safety, and consistency, while also providing individuals with a clear career path and fair opportunities to pursue and maintain that career.
Member organizations other than ASLA include: Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards; The American Institute of Architects; the American Society of Civil Engineers; the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy; National Society of Professional Engineers; and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
