State Advocacy

Preparing Communities for Autonomy

AUVSI’s State Initiatives are designed to support the safe, secure, and scalable integration of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies at the state and local level. With tailored campaigns like Drone Prepared and AAM Prepared, we help communities adopt forward-looking policies that unlock the economic, societal, and operational benefits of uncrewed systems.

Our Campaigns

Drone Prepared

AUVSI’s Drone Prepared campaign equips state and local decision-makers with the knowledge and tools they need to support commercial drone operations. From zoning and privacy to infrastructure and airspace management, Drone Prepared addresses the practical and policy challenges of integrating drones into everyday life, ensuring communities are ready for what’s next. The campaign focuses on a variety of issues including:

  • Public education and awareness
  • Airspace access and low-altitude policy
  • Infrastructure siting and land use
  • Privacy, safety, and data governance

AAM Prepared

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) promises to reshape how people and goods move. AAM Prepared helps states proactively plan for the arrival of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other emerging technologies. By aligning policy, infrastructure, and workforce development, we ensure states are ready to lead in the future of flight. The campaign focuses on a variety of issues including:

  • Vertiport planning and zoning
  • Interagency coordination and standards adoption
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Community engagement and education

Why It Matters

Uncrewed systems are transforming transportation, public safety, emergency response, and commercial logistics. But to realize their full potential, we must prepare the foundation, including at the state level. AUVSI’s State Initiatives ensure that innovation doesn’t outpace policy, and that every community has the opportunity to benefit from this technology safely and responsibly.


Get Involved

Whether you’re a policymaker, industry stakeholder, or community leader, there’s a role for you in shaping the future of autonomy.

  • Join a Campaign
  • Access Model Policy Guides
  • Partner with AUVSI in Your State
  • Explore Case Studies and Best Practices

Your Voice on Capitol Hill

Through collaboration and consensus, we shape policy positions that speak for the entire industry. Join AUVSI at the Advocacy Level.

Meet the Advocacy Team

The AUVSI Advocacy Team is comprised of government affairs and advocacy experts that focus on a robust federal, state, and local portfolio.

Casie Ocaña

Vice President, Public Affairs

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Max Rosen

Associate Vice President, Government Affairs

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Scott Shtofman

Associate Vice President & Counsel, Regulatory Affairs

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Adriana Rivera

Director, Government Affairs, Defense

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Mason Sisk

Director, Government Affairs

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Lori Propst

Director, Government Affairs

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Grant Baker

Senior Manager, Government Affairs

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