American Council of Engineering Companies

The American Council of Engineering Companies is the national business association of America’s engineering and design services industry. It represents nearly 5,500 member firms that employ more than 640,000 engineers and design professionals. Advocacy is its primary mission, and the council weighs in on federal policy affecting engineering firms, such as its support for the bipartisan Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act and statements on Senate legislation.

Beyond advocacy, the council offers member firms professional development, including a Women’s Leadership Forum, a change management certification program and virtual courses on the business of design consulting. It publishes market intelligence briefs and a quarterly Engineering Business Sentiment report, along with an annual report on the council’s work. To grow the talent pipeline, it partners with the ACE Mentor Program, which connects high school and college students with architecture, construction and engineering professionals.

What to Know

• The council runs ACEC/PAC, which it calls the largest political action committee in the built environment.
• Firms can sponsor, exhibit and advertise at ACEC events and programs.
• Members can join sessions on getting the most from their membership benefits.
• It is a member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.