Agenda Reflects Record-Setting Member Interest in Advocacy

Washington, D.C. – January 16, 2015 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced a legislative agenda for the 114^th Congress that sets a path for increasing construction activity, creating jobs, preserving the nation’s heritage and ensuring that new generations of architects design a resilient future for America.

“We have an ambitious legislative agenda, and we will work hard to aggressively move it forward,” said AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA. “Working together, the 85,000 members of the AIA have proven to be a powerful catalyst for passing legislation on Capitol Hill that not only increases economic activity but also enhances the common good.”

“As the President prepares to address a joint session of Congress and the nation in his 2015 State of the Union address, these items serve as a bipartisan blueprint for ending Congressional gridlock and getting things done,” Chu Richter said.

The agenda includes:

RESILIENCE

Advance policies that help communities prepare for and respond to the challenges they face

• Support legislation to spur states to adopt better building codes
• Enact national Good Samaritan legislation
• Promote resiliency planning in communities

CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH

The AIA supports laws and regulations that help design and construction firms create jobs.

• Make sure that the federal marketplace is open to firms of all sizes.
• Advance policies that help small businesses grow and create jobs
• Ensure the tax code treats all firms fairly
• Help the profession become more globally competitive

DESIGN

The AIA supports policies that promote good design.

• Support federal 2030 targets and pass true consensus energy efficiency legislation
• Restore the 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction
• Protect and enhance the historic preservation tax credit
• Create a national infrastructure bank and restore Build America Bonds
• Enhance the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
• Promote design excellence across all federal agencies

THE FUTURE

The AIA supports policies that invest in the next generation of architects and the profession.                                        

• Pass the National Design Services Act, which lets architecture school graduates work off student debt with community service
• Foster a regulatory environment that enables architecture firms to invest in research and workforce development
• Support pro bono and community work in underserved areas

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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