Government Affairs
ASBPA advocates for healthy coastlines by supporting national and regional policies that will improve the United States ability to protect, restore and maintain coastal systems.
Support ASBPA- Become a member!
Trusted, Connected, and Proven
As a national leader in coastal advocacy, ASBPA offers:
- Local Engagement with Federal Government: We connect local priorities directly with federal action, ensuring community needs are heard and addressed in Washington.
- Advocacy for Federal Funding and Legislation: ASBPA champions critical initiatives, including the Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Trust Fund and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), driving resources to where they matter most.
- Authoritative Policy Voice: Our century-long legacy and commitment to science-based solutions make ASBPA a trusted source amongst Capitol Hill insiders for policy guidance and advocacy.
- Centennial Legacy: For nearly 100 years, ASBPA has advanced coastal protection, restoration, and sustainable management, earning a reputation for integrity and impact.
How Can You Get Involved?
Participate in the ASBPA Government Affairs Committee
Held monthly at 2pm EST on the 3rd Thursday.
Meeting invitation and information, contact: Leslie Pickel at managing@asbpa.org
Join the ASBPA Coastal Advocacy Network
Connecting elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels who are committed to advancing science-based policies that preserve, protect, and enhance our nation’s beaches and shores.
Scroll down for more information!
Attend the ASBPA Coastal Summit, March, Washington, DC
Share your communities’ coastal challenges during ASBPA’s annual policy conference, the Coastal Summit, as we unite on behalf of our nation’s coasts. Includes:
- A panel discussion with community representatives
- Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
ASBPA Coastal Advocacy Network
Together We CAN Make Coastal a National Policy Priority
This initiative aims to highlight local support for beaches to federal decision-makers by engaging with elected officials. It enhances our Government Affairs committee by adding advocacy liaisons and leveraging Coastal Champions across all levels of government. We connect local priorities directly with federal action, ensuring state needs are heard and addressed in Washington.
Network Structure: Expert Leadership, Liaisons, and Champions
The CAN is guided by a dedicated and experienced leadership team and a robust organizational framework:
- Leadership: Nicole Elko, Ph.D., Executive Director and Interim Government Affairs Director, provides continuous representation and engagement with federal agencies and lawmakers.
- Government Affairs Committee: This long-standing ASBPA committee informs and mobilizes experts across diverse coastal regions, aligning local and national priorities for maximum effectiveness.
- Advocacy Liaisons: State-designated liaisons facilitate communication between communities and the broader network, making sure your concerns and ideas are always at the forefront.
- Coastal Champions: Elected officials from all levels of government amplify our collective voice, codify long-standing partnerships, and bring added credibility.
Your Leadership Matters: A Call to Action
Our nation’s coastal future depends on strong local leadership, informed about federal issues. By lending your voice to ASBPA’s Coastal Advocacy Network, you will help shape policy, secure funding, and build resilience for coastal communities. Your name will amplify our collective voice and ensure that your state remains at the forefront of coastal innovation.
2026 Priorities: 
ASBPA’s top priorities for the second session of the 119th Congress connect local priorities directly with federal action, ensuring community needs are heard and addressed in Washington. ASBPA prioritizes our federal policy advocacy in the following four areas:
1) Support Development of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA26)
- ASBPA’s WRDA26 priorities focus on measures that strengthen coastal resilience and economic growth.
2) Advocate for strong and efficient federal investment in critical coastal infrastructure
- Sustained funding for various key coastal programs is needed to strengthen and safeguard coastal communities.
3) Strengthen and Highlight Bipartisan Support in Congress for Coastal Priorities
- ASBPA aims to build broad, bipartisan Congressional support for coastal initiatives by highlighting their role in strengthening the U.S. economy, protecting property, and supporting American industries.
4) Advocate for a Whole-of-Government Approach for Coastal Investments
- ASBPA supports administration priorities to streamline regulations, reduce bureaucratic barriers, encourage private sector participation, and enhance cross-agency collaboration to deliver resilient, world-class coastal infrastructure.
Beach & Inlet Management Policy
We maintain a close partnership with Coastal States Organization, and share a joint Beach and Inlet Management Policy (updated April 2024) that serves as a call for action to improve sediment management, permitting of coastal projects, funding for project planning, design, and implementation, responsible coastal development, and critical science and research.
