President’s Message
By Kat Lauer, P.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Austin Branch

Happy New Year, ASCE Austin Branch Members!

As we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to see our branch continue to grow, connect, and make an impact. January brings a variety of opportunities to engage in professional development, community service, and networking, and I hope you’ll join us in making the most of them.

One of the highlights this month is the Government Employee Membership Grant program, which aims to encourage local civil engineers employed by government agencies to become active ASCE members. The grant reimburses recipients for a full year’s National and Local ASCE dues, supporting those who might not otherwise have access to membership benefits. If you’re a full-time employee of a government agency and not eligible for dues reimbursement through your employer, consider applying before the January 17th deadline! Two grants will be awarded this year, with priority given to first-time applicants.

On January 21st, we’ll gather for our monthly luncheon featuring the Texas Water Development Board. Their presentation on statewide flood planning will provide invaluable insights into critical water resource management efforts. Attending this luncheon is an excellent way to earn professional development hours while staying informed about issues that directly impact our profession.

Community service is a cornerstone of our branch, and YMF’s Shoal Creek Cleanup on January 25th offers a chance to give back while supporting environmental sustainability. It’s inspiring to see our members consistently step up to protect and enhance our local ecosystems.

Finally, be sure to join us for this month’s Coffee Chat on January 28th. These informal networking events are a great way to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, and foster professional relationships in a relaxed setting.

While January is full of activity, I’d be remiss not to mention the exciting events on the horizon for February’s Engineers Week, including the Science Mill volunteer event and the release of the Infrastructure Report Card. I’ll share more details in next month’s message, but know that we’re gearing up for an impactful month ahead!

Thank you for your continued involvement in the ASCE Austin Branch. Together, we’re advancing our profession and making meaningful contributions to our community. I look forward to seeing you at one of this month’s events and throughout the year!

Best regards,
Kat Lauer, P.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Austin Branch