After working for over 40 years as a landscape architect and in related disciplines, I find it critical for a landscape architect to be licensed. LA's have incredible skills for problem-solving, making connections, and insuring attractive results. There are a number of other professions that claim to do some aspect of the LA's work. However, a licensed LA can be relied upon to have the most comprehensive understanding of how all the disciplines work together, the science behind many decisions, and the foresight to understand the implications and impacts of their work and others' work. With the critical issues of climate change, heat island effect, and the need for resilience, there is NO profession better placed to help move communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia forward to a successful future.