Executive summary
By Marsha D. Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, F.ITE, NAE, F.ASCE; Maria C. Lehman, P.E., ENV SP, NAC, NAE, F.ASCE, Pres.23.ASCE; and Edward W. Stafford, P.E., PTOE, F.ASCE
2025 was a breakthrough year: one defined by bold progress, meaningful transformation, and a renewed commitment to shaping the future of civil engineering. As communities around the world navigate rapid change, ASCE has continued to lead with vision, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to advancing the profession.
From the start, our members stepped boldly into the national conversation on infrastructure. With the release of the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, we didn’t just assess the state of our nation’s critical systems; we sparked dialogue, inspired action, and shined a spotlight on the urgency of investing in our nation’s future. The Solutions Summit and Legislative FlyIn brought our advocacy to the heart of Washington, D.C., where members’ voices helped shape policy at the highest levels. At a local level, ASCE sections in 13 states advanced this momentum with their own report cards, reinforcing an important message: Strong infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities.
While we focused on today’s challenges, we continued to foster tomorrow’s possibilities. The Cities of the Future IMAX film expanded its global audience, and it even found a home on Delta Air Lines’ in-flight entertainment system, sharing with millions the awe-inspiring vision of what civil engineers make possible.
At the same time, the Board of Direction approved a comprehensive workforce development plan that will help inspire the next generation, support current professionals, and elevate the skills needed for a rapidly evolving world.
Members also embraced the Society’s future. In the 2025 elections, an ASCE constitutional amendment to simplify member grades passed with nearly 80% support. This powerful endorsement highlighted the Society’s shared desire to modernize, welcome a broader community of infrastructure professionals, and build a more inclusive and accessible ASCE.
With that spirit of bold thinking, we have introduced a new flagship event — ASCE2027: The Infrastructure and Engineering Experience. This event will unite ASCE Institutes, the Center for Technical Advancement, and professionals from across the industry to explore cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and innovations. It will be a place where, together, we can build a strong foundation for the future.
Throughout 2025, this forward-looking mindset was infused into every aspect of our work. From conferences and education to publications and standards, ASCE continued to raise the bar. The launch of two new AI assistants marked a significant step forward, helping members access trusted technical guidance drawn from ASCE standards, ASCE AMPLIFY content, and shared expertise across ASCE Collaborate.
The year closed on a meaningful note of transition. With the retirement of Executive Director Tom Smith, CAE, ENV SP, NAC, F.ASCE, we honored a legacy of dedicated service. In the interim, ASCE 2023 President Maria Lehman and Chief Operating Officer Edward Stafford have stepped in to lead the organization while the search for our next executive director continues.
As we look ahead, we are filled with confidence, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose. The challenges may be significant, but so are the possibilities. Together, we will continue to shape the built environment, uplift the communities we serve, and imagine a future that reflects the very best of what civil engineering can do.
Thank you for being part of this journey. The work we do today will inspire generations to come.
Fiscal year 2025 financial report
By the ASCE Finance Department
For fiscal year 2025, the Society and its affiliates had unrestricted operating revenues of $55.3 million and operating expenses of $58.8 million, with the Society funding expenses in excess of revenues by using earnings on our investment portfolio. Revenues improved modestly, showing an increase from conferences and seminars as some biennial events occurred in 2025.
The Society continues to be in sound financial condition. Our policy of building and maintaining a reserve fund, which totaled $37.4 million at year-end 2025, is a key factor in our stable financial condition. The reserve fund has been built primarily from earnings on our long-term investment fund, which yielded $5.1 million in 2025 and $8.8 million in 2024 due to strong market returns.
ASCE made several key strategic investments during FY25, which accounts for a portion of the expenses. The relationship between annual operating revenue and program expenses is a key long-term issue that the Board of Direction continues to address. This focus maintains and preserves our solid financial condition while serving our members and leading the civil engineering profession to advance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
This report first appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Civil Engineering.
