Who we are…
Chapter One is the founding Chapter of the International Right of Way Association.
The Balfour Award , given annually at the IRWA International Conference, is named after Frank Balfour, a professional who worked at the California State Highway Right of Way Department (now Caltrans).
Frank saw a need to bring together right of way “men” of all public and quasi-public organizations in the areas of title, legal, and real estate valuation professions for their mutual benefit. At the first assembly of such professionals in October of 1934, at Pozzo’s Italian Restaurant in Los Angeles the first such organizational meeting of Right of Way professionals took place. Chapter One was thus established with a unanimous goal of providing education to equip the members to better serve their employers and the public.
Chapter One members come from all the Right of Way disciplines, such as acquisitions, relocation, appraisals, title, utilities, and right of way and civil engineering. Our members work for some of the most active public transportation authorities and departments, water and school districts, public works agencies, utility companies, railroads, and private consultants. With this unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise, participation in our educational seminars, classes and networking events is always a highly valuable and rewarding experience.
Chapter One is committed to excellence and service to our community.
We enjoyed hosting the annual IRWA Conference in Long Beach, California
in June 2024.
Members of the Chapter One Board look to provide the best in education, training, networking, and social events for all members and Right of Way professionals. There continues to be increased participation at the Board level and our current Board is striving to meet expectations of our members to advance to the goals and objectives of our professional society.