The Local Relations team promotes the AIA's public policies and empowers local components to effectively manage their legislative, regulatory, and legal efforts. Advocacy efforts are enhanced through the Local Government Network (LGN) policy advisory group, outreach and teaming efforts with the National Association of Counties and the US Conference of Mayors, and by the creation of resources for use by local components.

The Local Relations team focuses on a number of advocacy issues at the local level including, but not limited to, green building and sustainable design, local government procurement of architectural services, permitting and zoning issues, education, and additional issues important to the architectural profession.

Issue Briefs

• City Governance
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
• Green Building Programs
• Green Affordable Housing
• Expedited Permitting
• Smart Growth/Transit-Oriented Development 
• Citizen Architect
• Planning and Zoning Commissions

Local Leaders in Sustainability

• Local Leaders in Sustainability - A Study of Green Building Programs in Our Nation's Communities
• Local Leaders in Sustainability - Green Incentives 
• Local Leaders in Sustainability - Green Counties

Local Government Network (LGN)

• LGN Overview
• Local Government Network Portal

Civic Engagement & Leadership

• Citizen Architect
• Leadership Development (former Committee for Leadership Education)
• Advisory Network Communication Portal

Other Tools & Resources

• Stimulus Resources for State and Local Components
• SustAIAnability 2030 Toolkit
• Sustainable Design Policy Resource Center
• Permit Streamlining Toolkit
• Elected Officials Guide to Streamlining Building Department Plan Submittal, Review, Tracking and Storage
• AIA Component Media Tools
• Links to External Sustainability Resources