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June12–18

National Right of Way Professionals Week – June 12-18, 2023

National Right of Way Professionals Week is celebrated every year in the second week of June. This year, it will be held from June 12 to 18. You might be wondering what a right of way professional does. Well, ever wondered how infrastructure and development projects are constructed in private spaces? That’s right these guys come in! Right of way professionals negotiate and work with landowners to secure rights for the privately-held property on behalf of third parties. All kinds of work can be done on the land including building a highway, pipeline, and other facilities.

History of National Right of Way Professionals Week

A right of way professional refers to a person working as a land professional with legal expertise in property rights. These individuals are engaged by third parties, both private and governmental, to assist with land acquisition and the legal aspects of a variety of projects. The agent acts as a liaison between the various groups within a project.

These are essentially professionals who work to develop and construct infrastructure projects such as acquisition agents, project managers, attorneys, engineers, surveyors, appraisers, and relocation agents. The work is vital to building and maintaining public and private infrastructure systems which allow societies to operate. For example, these can include roads, railways, tunnels, bridges, mass-transit systems, power stations, wind farms, hydroelectric dams, electric transmission lines and distribution, telephone and fiber optic cabling, and cell phone towers, and airports among others.

Located in Buffalo, New York, the Right of Way Professionals, LLC (R.O.W.P.) was formed in 1999, and has spent the past 20 years developing respected relationships within the New York State right of way community.

But it is the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) that is considered to be the central authority for the right of way education and certification programs, as well as professional services, around the globe. Its headquarters are in Gardena in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, California. It is a global, member-led organization of determined professionals in the right-of-way industry. Established in 1934 as a not-for-profit association, IRWA’s purpose has always been to improve the quality of life of the people through infrastructure development

National Right of Way Professionals Week timeline

1600s
Property Gets a Legal Definition

Private property gets a legal definition in England as property owned by commercial entities, thanks to great European trading companies.

1785
The Beginning of Property Rights

The Land Ordinance Act of 1785 marks the beginning of property rights in the United States.

1934
IRWA is Established

The International Right of Way Association is established as a not-for-profit association.

1999
Right of Way Professionals LLC

Right of Way Professionals LLC is established in Buffalo, New York.

2016
The Week is Established

Contract Land Staff (C.L.S.) establishes the week.

National Right of Way Professionals Week FAQs

How do you become a right of way professional?

The Right of Way Agent Certification issued by the IRWA is the first in a three-level generalist program leading to the S.R./W.A. designation. You must possess a two-year degree in the U.S or a diploma C.D.N. to qualify for the certification.

How much do right of way professionals get paid?

The average salary range for a right of way agent is between $72,526 and $91,068, according to Salary.com. The salary might change depending on the location, job level, experience, education, and skill set.

What skills do you need to be a right of way professional?

You will need a thorough knowledge of lease property management, regulatory affairs, land acquisition, land lease and contract reparation, and land ownership validation. You should also be a confident individual with good communication skills — as is necessary for nearly every job.

National Right of Way Professionals Week Activities

  1. Admire the infrastructure

    Admire the great highways, bridges, and buildings that keep this country running. None of this would have been possible without right-of-way professionals.

  2. Appreciate right of way professionals

    Appreciate the people who make it possible for infrastructure development to continue operating smoothly. Despite how important the profession is, it is very underrated and not very well known.

  3. Attend conferences

    Go to a right of way professionals conference or gathering if you are a right of way professional. Get out there so you can discuss the latest trends, and data and build your network. Can’t find a conference close to you? Organize one yourself!

5 Facts About Property That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Owning a home is a big deal

    Nearly 80% of Americans think that owning a home is one of the greatest goals to achieve.

  2. Most land is owned by people and corporations

    Private individuals and corporations own about 60% of the U.S land while federal, state, and local governments own the rest.

  3. Right to private property

    The Fifth Amendment in the U.S Constitution protects the right to private property.

  4. The average house buyer is 47

    The average age of American homebuyers is 47 years old and the average home seller is 57 years old.

  5. How many times have you moved?

    According to studies, the average American person is likely to move 12 times in their lifetime.

Why We Love National Right of Way Professionals Week

  1. It’s a crucial job

    Right of way is a little-known job even though few people have heard about it. Yet, no infrastructure projects on private property can be developed if not for them.

  2. It’s a great career

    Considering a job change? Wondering what career advice to give to your children? Right of way is a dynamic well-paying profession with many opportunities and applications.

  3. A day to mingle

    If you’re in the right of way business, then this is a great day to meet others in your line of work at conferences. Not only will you learn more from others, but it’s also a great way to expand your network for more opportunities.

National Right of Way Professionals Week dates

YearDateDay
2022June 13Monday
2023June 12Monday
2024June 10Monday
2025June 9Monday
2026June 8Monday

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