After a few years off, the ASCE Legislative Fly-In returned earlier this month. The Washington, DC, event gathers 225 ASCE members from all around the country – both in person and virtually – for a three-day program of advocacy sessions and networking, highlighted by congressional visits to discuss infrastructure.

Urban’s Nick Giglio and Laurel Welch were proud to be in attendance as a part of the Pennsylvania delegation. They met virtually with the staff of Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, and each had the chance to meet virtually with the U.S. representatives from their home districts.

Conversations with legislative staff took on a new tenor this year with the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law late last year. The bill marks the largest infrastructure investment in the nation’s history and will do much to improve the communities the civil engineering industry supports.

An interesting challenge for ASCE members was fending off the notion that with the bipartisan infrastructure law in place – as industry-altering as that may be – the country’s infrastructure needs are taken care of. The Legislative Fly-In is a great chance for younger ASCE members to participate in interactive training on advocacy, communicating your “ask”, and building relationships with your elected leaders. The work of advocacy for infrastructure continues!