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To the ACEC community,
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is now law. President Biden has selected former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to serve as the Administration's point person to coordinate the bill's implementation, and Secretary Buttigieg is ready to start turning legislative text into action.
As the designers of the built environment, America's engineers stand at the center of this landmark bill. We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate our considerable talents to define the future of the nation's infrastructure. This is our time to lead.
As leaders in the engineering space, we have a responsibility to deliver value to society. Our member firms take this responsibility very seriously, designing the essential solutions that improve mobility, ensure access to clean air and water, preserve and restore our environment, and so much more. This watershed moment also puts us in the unique position to design civic spaces that encourage opportunity by correcting inequities found in legacy infrastructure.
We need to tell our story to lawmakers, the public, and especially to the next generation of engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the U.S. will need 1 million more STEM professionals over the next decade to meet demand, and many of those workers will end up in the engineering ranks.
As workforce demographics shift, our contributions to society are more important than ever to build a strong talent pipeline. A recent study of Millennials found that "83% would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues." We can attract and retain the engineers of tomorrow by showing our value to the world today.
There's a lot of work to do to make the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act a success. We're just getting started, and we can't wait to see what's to come.
Looking ahead, ACEC and the ACEC Research Institute will present two programs to help members build their businesses and take advantage of emerging market opportunities.
On December 2-3, our inaugural Private Market Symposium in Charleston, SC, will dive into the Logistics and Intermodal sector. Market experts and client representatives will offer insights into this dynamic and fast-growing market, and participants can take an optional tour of the new Hugh K. Leatherman terminal at the Port of Charleston. Click here for more information and to register for a fantastic program.
And on December 8, the Institute will host a free webinar to unveil its second annual Engineering Industry Forecast and deliver an update on the Engineering Industry Contribution report.
The session will examine the critical role engineering plays in the U.S. economy and its impact on jobs, wages, GDP, and tax contributions; look forward with five-year industry forecast, including the effects of the Federal Stimulus programs and Infrastructure bill; and offer insights from the Institute's new Engineering Business Sentiment study. Click here to register for this complimentary program.
Have a great week.
Linda Bauer Darr
President & CEO
American Council of Engineering Companies | ACEC
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