LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING: Government Affairs

Description

Mission

To advance ACEC-NM’s mission of championing engineers in private practice — fostering innovation, quality design, community service, and financial success in a thriving business environment — by representing the profession’s interests in the New Mexico State Legislature. The committee actively engages in legislative initiatives, defends against harmful bills, and ensures the continued protection of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) in procurement law, while strengthening relationships between engineers and policymakers.

Purpose

• Serve as ACEC-NM’s primary forum for legislative and governmental affairs.
• Monitor and evaluate proposed legislation for impacts on the engineering industry.
• Coordinate proactive initiatives to advance ACEC-NM’s legislative priorities.
• Defend against bills that undermine sound procurement practices, QBS, or professional engineering standards.
• Support the state lobbyist in tracking legislation, coordinating testimony, and building relationships with legislators and state officials.
• Educate policymakers on the role of engineers in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
• Organize an annual Legislative Day at the State Capitol to provide members — particularly young professionals, though open to all — with an opportunity to directly engage with legislators during the session.

Objectives

1. Legislative Tracking – Review bills during legislative sessions and provide input on their potential impact.
2. Advocacy & Engagement – Organize meetings with legislators and key decision makers to advance ACEC-NM’s agenda.
3. QBS Protection – Ensure continued compliance with and defense of QBS in New Mexico procurement law.
4. Industry Voice – Represent ACEC-NM positions on infrastructure, funding, and professional practice matters.
5. Member Involvement – Facilitate Legislative Day and other opportunities for members to participate in the legislative process.
6. Communication – Keep ACEC-NM members informed of legislative developments and encourage grassroots advocacy when needed.