Hello everyone! I’m excited to begin my term as President of APDC! Over this past month, we have sustained the energy from the successful legislative fly-in and are actively tracking multiple bills, including HB299 (de-regulation of licensure/Right to Earn a Living), HB291 (Commercial Interior Design Licensure), SB115 (gas tax), HB216 (temporary licensure), and HB197 (Seismic Hazard commission renewal). The legislative committee is writing letters in support or opposition of the bills, based on the direction from the March board meeting.
Similar to last year, the budget will again be a major issue and topic of discussion; unlike last year, we have now added a world-wide pandemic, dropping oil prices, and other state-wide concerns to the budget. We will stay on top of all these issues and make sure we are working to support design professionals in whatever means we can.
Finally, I couldn’t write a president’s message this month without addressing COVID-19. Is it scary and challenging? Yep. Will it change everything? Most likely. Is it already affecting things? Definitely. But will we pull through? Of course! How? I don’t know all the details yet of exactly how, but I know we will. Things are changing so fast, but through the support of our community and coming together, I know we will find a way to come through this. Things most likely won’t look the same on the other side, but I am confident the other side will be sunny. APDC’s part in this will focus on supporting the design community, tracking the budget challenges, tracking applicable bills and legislature, and actively advocating to support our profession.
Please reach out to us if we can help in any way.
Thanks!
-Erica
Alaska Professional Design Council 