We have had a busy past month, even though we never left Anchorage! Our “fly-in” season has begun with bi-weekly Legislative Committee meetings and we are in excellent hands with Colin Maynard and John Walsh leading the charge. The House is now organized so we can now make an official plan for best communicating our legislative goals this session. We are closely tracking the 14 Bills of interest to our member organizations as well as submitting op-eds for publication in news sources. We hope to “meet” (via Zoom) with legislators in March to share our position paper and offer to be a resource to legislators for further questions or information.
Our Procurement of Professional Services Committee (led by Andrea Story) has also had an active month. We were able to obtain a correction to a solicitation that originally violated the Brooks Act, and now the solicitation is in compliance! Additionally, the State of Alaska has reached out to us to assist with training on Procurement of Professional Services and the Brooks Act for State procurement staff! Andrea is leading the effort to provide support for this training.
On a sadder note, I have reached the end of my term as APDC President. I am fully confident in the next leaders who will take over: Will Webb as President with Kelsey Davidson as President-Elect. Your new Secretary/Treasurer will be announced at the March meeting! Don’t miss it! I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this organization and have been honored to serve as President. I’m proud of who we are, what we represent, and how we come together across our varied disciplines to represent all design professionals throughout Alaska. Thank you for letting me serve this past (crazy) year!
Erica Jensen, PE
APDC President
Alaska Professional Design Council 