We all promise ourselves something when a new year begins. Some make resolutions. Most want to commit to positive change. It’s hard to know where to begin when it feels like the world is on fire. Globally, we are witnessing strife and political upheaval. We are not immune to these things. But we are living in an amazing country that is resilient, strong, and free. I believe we can live with boundless optimism. Every generation is confronted with some type of disruption. I cannot think of a time when there was not a fire brewing somewhere. If we think the world is on fire, then let’s begin putting it out in our circle of influence.
Within our industry, there are key areas we need to make a priority. We must find ways to fund transportation sustainably. We need to be ready for new electrification systems and increasingly intelligent transportation technologies. We need to continue to connect communities. There are multiple ways to achieve these goals. However, it will take patience, hard work, and investment. If the bottom line is the only reason we are in our industry, funding will constantly be an uphill battle. We cannot right historic wrongs if we do not reflect on the past that got us here. We cannot fund transportation if we do not realize it is of historical importance as a reliable economic driver. You cannot be innovative if you do not work collaboratively across the world. You cannot change the wrongs of the past if you deny it.
I know I am speaking very existentially. But in times of great uncertainty and disruption, broader considerations must be considered to have any type of real-time or real-world remedy. I also want to give a 30-thousand-foot view, not one riddled with examples that can be politicized. That is not my purpose.
SINGH is committed to the transportation industry. We will continue to solve our clients’ problems and develop the best design solution. Our core values—Integrity, Equality, Gratitude, and Kindness—will guide us. This is directly tied to our mission: SINGH + Associates strives to engineer public infrastructure to connect people, businesses, and communities. Ultimately, it is our goal to achieve our vision—to venture beyond boundaries.
Our team is continuing to grow. We added 10 people to our team in 2024 and began 2025 by adding three new hires in January. This growth is a direct result of our commitment to excellence and accountability to our clients. We are also committed to advocating for our industry through advocacy and association involvement. Many of our team members are actively involved in industry associations.
Sometimes, I truly wish I had a magic ball that would tell me the future is bright. However, I know the future is as bright as we make it. I know here at SINGH we are committed to a positive and bright future. It is our team’s commitment and combined effort that make this possible. One of the professional organizations (Women’s Presidents Organization) I belong to always has us pick a word for the year. My word for 2025 is growth. I want to see SINGH continue to flourish and grow. I also want to grow personally. I want to strengthen my resolve to add kindness to the world. I want to help solve the problems we face as a community. I want to create positive changes within what I can control. If we all make that pledge, our communities will thrive.
As 2024 closes and 2025 begins, I think we can learn some lessons from Former President Jimmy Carter. Everything I have heard or read discusses his profound impact after leaving the White House. He focused his attention on continuing his civic life within his circle of influence. I will grant you he had a very high-profile circle of influence affording him greater resources. But it does not change his commitment to making the lives of others better. We do not have to change the world, but we can strive to do what is right for all people.
I know that there are many out there with Mr. Carter’s commitment. That is why I am full of boundless optimism as we begin 2025. Even though we can’t see the good through the noise. It is there.
Fondly,
Harvind