Approved by the Committee on Advancing the Profession on April 11, 2024
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on May 29, 2024
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 18, 2024
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) encourages the selection and appointment of licensed professional engineers to government agency positions responsible for leading the development, direction and implementation of policy and practices related to public infrastructure systems.
Issue
There are many positions in government that require an individual to oversee design, construction and/or maintenance of engineering structures or projects. Often these positions involve supervision of engineering professionals. The public interest is best served when these positions are filled by licensed professional engineers who understand the impact of engineering decisions on the public health, safety, and welfare.
Rationale
ASCE recognizes the importance of having qualified engineers lead agencies that have a direct impact on the public health, safety, and welfare. Agency leaders establish public policy and develop procedures for the design and implementation of construction projects. It is in the public interest that these policies and procedures be managed by licensed professional engineers to fulfill the agency’s obligations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 416
First Approved in 1993