Message from Linda Bauer Darr, ACEC National President & CEO

To the ACEC Community,  

The eyes of the nation are on the two coasts this week. Fires continue to rage throughout Los Angeles, with the Eaton and Palisades blazes likely to become the second and fourth most destructive in the history of the city. These fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures and scorched more than 60 square miles – approximately the same area as the entire City of St. Louis. At this writing, the death toll stands at 24, and the Santa Ana winds are expected to cause critical fire weather at least through tomorrow, increasing the likelihood of further spread. With a preliminary damage estimate putting the economic losses so far at $135 billion, it is very likely we are witnessing the costliest natural disaster in American history.

Our hearts and prayers are firmly with everyone who has faced this unimaginable loss. But we must also look forward with hope that from the ashes of this tragedy, a stronger and more resilient Los Angeles will rise. Rebuilding LA will not be about merely restoring what has been lost. It will be about forging a new and sustainable path forward. From fire resistant structures and other mitigation measures to smart urban planning that harmonizes with the environment, engineers will play a crucial role in ensuring that this catastrophe does not repeat itself. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment – a moment not just to rebuild, but to re-envision. And our industry will help lead the way in realizing that vision of Los Angeles as a city that not only recovers but thrives. 

Meanwhile, here on the east coast, the business of government goes on. Washington is gearing up for the swearing in of President-elect Trump next Monday, and we anticipate executive orders coming out of the White House almost immediately that on the one hand will boost energy markets while also dialing back Biden-era climate policies. Congress is starting the confirmation hearings for key Cabinet nominees this week. We will be watching this process closely, with special attention to Doug Burgum (Interior), Marco Rubio (State), Sean Duffy (Transportation), Chris Wright (Energy) and Lee Zeldin (EPA).

As we gear up for the year’s big fights on energy, immigration, taxes, infrastructure, and other key issues, we anticipate these hearings will be a window into the priorities of these incoming Cabinet members. Stay tuned.

But all is not politics – not even in Washington less than a week from Inauguration Day. This week, the ACEC Research Institute’s National Advisory Board for Leadership in Engineering (nABLE) welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors. The new Directors are: CA Water Services Group SVP and Chief Risk Officer Michael Luu; Port Authority Chief Engineer Rizwan Baig; Autodesk VP Nicolas Mangon; and Dr. Denise Simmons, Associate Dean for Workforce Development at the University of Florida School of Engineering. I want to congratulate these four incredibly talented and dedicated leaders on their election to the nABLE Board and thank them for their willingness to lend their experience and expertise in service of both the Institute and our industry. 

Finally, if one of your New Year’s resolutions was to learn something new, I want to spotlight a few upcoming educational offerings from our BRE team. Parts one and two of our Navigating a Change in Ownership class are available on demand; part three is scheduled for Thursday. We have online classes focused on Project Management 101 and Mastering AI Adoption, both scheduled for January 28. Finally, registration is open for our Business of Design Consulting program, scheduled for March 4-6 in Ft. Worth, TX. Earlybird rates are in effect through this Friday.

Finally, I know that some of you feel that it's wise for ACEC to stay between the lines and to guard and use our opinion wisely in full knowledge that we are representing the entire engineering industry and not just one faction.  But on this occasion, I hope you will indulge me, just this once.  After almost 20 years waiting patiently on the sidelines, I can now say with great pride…..GO COMMANDERS!!!!  Let the Force be with us!!!  And good luck to your teams as well…

Be safe and be well,