As this Friday’s post goes live, TCIA EXPO is in full swing in Fort Lauderdale! The industry’s premier gathering is bringing together tree care professionals from across the country for several days of learning, networking, hands-on experiences, and exploring the latest equipment and technology. The trade show floor is bustling, educational sessions are drawing enthusiastic crowds, and the energy surrounding our industry is unmistakable.
It’s a great reminder of just how much our industry has to offer and how important it is that our voices are heard beyond the trade show floor.
Meanwhile, back in Washington, Congress returned this week to a dramatically different political landscape following the November 3 elections. Democrats will take control of both the House and Senate when the 120th Congress convenes in January, and leadership positions and committee assignments are beginning to take shape.
As I discussed in last week’s post, changes in political leadership bring new priorities, new relationships, and new opportunities for advocacy. For TCIA, the goal remains the same: making sure policymakers understand our industry and the challenges and opportunities facing the businesses and professionals who work in it.
And there is plenty of work ahead.
Even with the current Congress approaching its conclusion, several important issues remain very much alive.
The Fix Our Forests Act continues to move through negotiations, with supporters working to secure its passage before the end of the year. Importantly, TCIA’s proposed changes concerning contractor liability and hazard tree pre-inspections are now part of discussions among congressional committee staff. That’s encouraging progress on an issue with significant implications for our industry.
Workforce availability remains another priority. With the first-half FY2027 H-2B visa cap already reached, TCIA and our coalition partners continue pressing federal agencies to release supplemental visas authorized by Congress. Bipartisan letters from both the House and Senate demonstrate that this issue continues to attract support across party lines.
At the state level, developments surrounding California’s wildfire vegetation management requirements, small off-road engine regulations, and proposals involving insurance and aerial imagery are also creating opportunities for TCIA to provide an industry perspective.
Looking toward 2027, the new congressional majority is expected to bring increased attention to workplace safety, labor policy, workforce development, and environmental oversight. These are all areas where the experience and expertise of tree care professionals should help inform the discussion.
Of course, progress doesn’t always come quickly, and a new Congress doesn’t guarantee agreement. But it does create an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, establish new ones, and make the case for practical policies that protect crews, strengthen businesses, and help our industry grow.
Which brings us back to TCIA EXPO.
The months ahead will bring challenges, certainly, but also opportunities. And if the enthusiasm and commitment on display at TCIA EXPO are any indication, our industry is well positioned to make the most of them.
If you’re attending EXPO, I encourage you to stop by the TCIA booth, learn more about our advocacy efforts, and share the issues that matter most to you and your business. Whether you’re in Fort Lauderdale this week or following along from home, your voice and your experiences are essential to shaping our priorities and strengthening our advocacy in the coming year.
Have a great weekend!
Photo by Julian Myles on Unsplash
