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President’s Message September 2025

Dear ASCE Houston Branch,

We had an incredible diversity of events in the month of August. Whether it was the EWRI Women in Water evening, the volunteer event with the Houston Community ToolBank, a technical session/workshop, the PE panel for the Younger Members, the joint Branch meeting with Houston Contractors’ Association, or a happy hour, there was no shortage of opportunities for our members to engage in something meaningful and of value. There is truly something for everyone.

September will be no different. Scroll through the newsletter below to learn about several social events, including the Student & YM social at Cidercade. We are also hosting a kid-friendly social at Altitude Trampoline Park in Katy, so parents of young children can connect with one another within the Branch. This was a passion project of mine to help integrate family and professional life, and I hope to see you there!

Last week, a few ASCE members and I met with the district offices of U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Representative Troy Nehls to discuss ASCE’s legislative priorities and appropriation requests. This included funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, and also baseline funding for pre-hazards mitigation grants and FEMA’s Risk MAP program. The Houston Branch will continue to advocate for civil engineering infrastructure and provide expert input to local, state, and federal elected officials. The September Branch meeting is just around the corner. This is a special meeting – not only because we have Rich Byrnes, Chief Infrastructure Officer of the Port of Houston, as our keynote speaker, but also because this is the meeting where we get to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible volunteer leaders that help run this organization. To the volunteers, to the Board, and to the ASCE Houston Branch – thank you. It has been a distinct privilege to serve you this year.

Sincerely,

Johnny Kim, PE, CFM

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