advance AAM within Texas, having chaired the Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Texas leg- islature’s AAM Advisory Committee. In this role, VAI worked closely with the Texas Department of Transportation and key AAM stakeholders to help develop a comprehensive AAM roadmap for the state. This roadmap will serve as a critical tool for legislators as they consider new laws to facilitate the integration and adoption of AAM technologies in Texas. VAI’s involvement in this process under- scores our commitment to fostering a legislative environment that supports innovation and growth in the vertical flight industry. As mentioned above, much of our focus during
the first six months of the year was on fighting to stop legislation that could harm the vertical flight industry. Now, with most state legislatures out of session for the rest of the year, we have a valuable opportunity to take an even more active role in advancing the interests of vertical aviation. Over the next few months, VAI will explore, and advocate for, model legislation and policy rec- ommendations that will promote the industry in upcoming legislative sessions.
Election Season Fast Approaching With election season just around the corner, we’re closely monitoring the stakes for vertical avia- tion at both the national and state levels. While the upcoming presidential and congressional elections are attracting significant attention, state and local elections are equally critical to the future of the vertical flight industry. In 2024, 85 state legislative chambers across
44 states will hold regular elections, with 5,793 of the country’s 7,386 state legislative seats—nearly 80%—up for grabs. These elections will deter- mine the makeup of state legislatures, which play
VAI Members
Regulatory, advocacy, and legislative help is just an email away. VAI is here for you. Contact
Advocacy@verticalavi.org
SEP 2024 POWER UP 11
a crucial role in shaping policy that affects our industry. Recognizing the importance of state and local
policymakers, VAI is preparing to engage with newly elected officials following the elections. It is essential that we introduce ourselves and our industry’s interests to new state and congressio- nal legislators, educating them about the benefits and needs of the vertical flight industry. By fostering positive relationships with pol-
icymakers at all levels of government, we will create a legislative environment that supports innovation, growth, and safety in vertical flight. We also ask VAI members to continue their own outreach to their local elected officials. If you’d like assistance in connecting with your represen- tatives, please contact the VAI advocacy team at
Advocacy@verticalavi.org. As we continue to develop our strategic plans
and outreach initiatives for the remainder of 2024, hearing from you is critical to our efforts. We encourage you to share your invaluable insights and feedback on how we can better support the indus- try in your state. If you have suggestions or would
like to discuss specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out at
Advocacy@verticalavi.org. Your participation—and success—is crucial to our collective success. Cade Clark is VAI’s chief government affairs officer. Katia Veraza is VAI’s manager of government affairs and regional relations.
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