About IRWA Chapter 21
Our Association
We established this association because we wanted to develop new ideas and make them available to the general public. We have members of all ages who share a passion for lively debates, fun activities and new friends.
We are always pleased to welcome new members who bring a breath of fresh air to the group. Please stop by – we would love to meet you!
Our Purpose
We improve people’s quality of life through infrastructure development.
Our Vision
The International Right of Way Association creates public awareness, trust and confidence in the right of way process, to build a better world.
Our Mission
We empower professionals by elevating ethics, learning, and a standard of excellence within the global infrastructure real estate community
Our Members
Dedicated exclusively to the right of way profession, IRWA has nearly 10,000 members throughout the U.S. and Canada. Our members are multi-disciplined professionals employed by private industry and government agencies as:
- Acquisition Agents
- Appraisers
- Environment Professionals
- Engineers
- Lawyers
- Property Managers
- Relocation Assistance Agents
- Surveyors
- Title Experts
Our Core Values
- Professional development achieved through lifelong learning.
- Adherence to the highest standard of ethical practice.
- Providing quality services to all our stakeholders.
- Responsible stewardship of the Association’s financial resources.
- Providing a community to people in the Right of Way Industry that fosters excellence in professional growth and opportunities.
Our Code of Ethics
RECOGNIZING the responsibility of our profession to the people and business of our country, and believing that we should encourage and foster high ethical standards in our profession, we do hereby
adopt the following CODE OF ETHICS for our constant guidance and inspiration predicated upon the basic principles of truth, justice and fair play.
To show faith in the worthiness of our profession by industry, honesty and courtesy, in order to merit a reputation for high quality of service and fair dealing.
To add to the knowledge of our profession by constant study and to share the lessons of our experience with our fellow members. To build an ever increasing confidence and good will with the public and our employers by poise, self-restraint and constructive cooperation.
To ascertain and weigh all of the facts relative to real properties in making an appraisal thereof, using the best and most approved methods of determining the just and fair market value.
To conduct ourselves in the most ethical and competent manner when testifying as an expert witness in court as to the market value of the real properties, thus meriting confidence in our knowledge and integrity.
To accept our full share of responsibility in constructive public service to community, state and nation.
To strive to attain and to express a sincerity of character that shall enrich our human contacts, ever aiming toward that ideal – “The Practice of the Golden Rule.”
Professional Development Focus
Billions of dollars are spent annually in the acquisition, management, and transfer of rights of way. With the technical skills required for proficiency in this complex activity, IRWA’s specialized education and training programs, leading to professional certifications and the IRWA’s designation, the SR/WA, provide an essential foundation for right of way professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Review the descriptions of the more than 50 courses currently available and our credentialing program.
Past International Presidents
IRWA’s past international presidents make up an Advisory Council of active leaders who remain current and engage on IRWA education and service committees, in addition to chairing and serving on special project groups.
International Executive Committee
International Executive Committee members serve as officers of the association and partner with staff to carry out the goals and objectives of the organization.
The structure of the IEC and their responsibilities are described in detail in the IRWA bylaws. Below are the current members of IEC, followed a summary of their responsibilities.
International Governing Council
Because the Board of Directors meets only once a year, a significant amount of the volunteer leadership power is delegated to the International Governing Council (IGC). The IGC meets three times per year and creates interim polices for the Association that are approved annually by the Board of Directors.
International Committees
IRWA annually forms several committees to accomplish its goals and objectives. Committees provide the association with subject matter expertise as well as helping the organization deliver its programs and services. Committee chairs are appointed by the current IRWA president with the approval of the balance of the IEC.