The American Council of Engineering Companies is a business association committed to advancing the private practice of consulting engineering, educating public officials on the importance of infrastructure investment, and promoting sound business practices within the industry. We are the local chapter of the national organization that keeps our members informed on issues affecting their industry and profession at the federal, state and local level. ACEC Houston has over 235 civil, structural, geotechnical and MEP engineering companies as members in the Houston metropolitan region.

We are actively involved with public works agencies to resolve problems and issues common to the industry. We are a forum for the interchange of ideas, a source of technical information and expertise to public agencies on the review of their design criteria, guidelines and standards as well as a political voice for engineering interests in the Houston metropolitan region. ACEC Houston works to advance the interests of the private practicing engineer as a whole in a way that no single firm can do on its own.

As local governments struggle with competing demands on their available funds and resources, it is important that their officials be reminded that the community’s quality of life is directly affected by its infrastructure. This was brought into stark focus during Hurricane Harvey, but it also plays out on a daily basis as people deal with overcrowded roadways, potholed pavements, missing sidewalks, and lack of connectivity. The Houston region’s economic engine that provides the jobs and prosperity that brought us all together is also dependent upon adequately functioning infrastructure. Individuals who have not yet found economic success are no less dependent on a healthy local economy that can provide them a path to economic stability.

So, though infrastructure is not an issue that tugs at one’s heartstrings, in many ways it is more important to every individual’s well-being than any program that seeks to aid the individual. ACEC continually brings this focus to elected officials through routine interface with area policy makers.