Special Report: Disaster Assistance

AIA Iowa Disaster Assistance Network Responds to Flooding
Architects Prove to be Invaluable Resource in Post-Disaster Response

In recent weeks, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and Minnesota have been facing a severe flooding emergency as a result of heavy rainfall. Many cities throughout these states have been hard hit by the flood waters. In Iowa, Cedar Rapids sustained the most extreme damage. The city of 120,000 had thousands of impacted residential properties, and 14 buildings on the University of Iowa campus were damaged as flood waters crested.

In the aftermath of the flooding, an effective, strong network of trained architects emerged, highlighting how helpful architects can be in the post-disaster environment. In Mason City, AIA Iowa Disaster Coordinator Tom Hurd mobilized local AIA members to work with other responders to perform over 350 building assessments in the first four days following the flooding. In responding to the emergency, local components utilized the AIA Disaster Handbook and other resources.

Throughout Iowa, almost 700 AIA members were impacted by the flooding. Many members have asked where they can contribute funds to help support recovery efforts. AIA Iowa has recommended the "Race to Recovery Web site as a reputable, helpful resource for the state. FEMA is also working in partnership with the National Donations Management Network to coordinate support for the ongoing disaster assistance work through AidMatrix. Visitors to the site have the option to donate to national voluntary agencies or directly to the affected Midwest states.

Since the flooding began, another disaster has begun to unfold. Over 1,000 wildfires in northern California have begun to stretch state resources. With the floods and fires already affecting the country, southern states are preparing for the impending hurricane season. As such, it is a good time to refresh business continuity and disaster plans to prepare accordingly and reduce the potential impact of any natural disasters by ensuring quick, efficient, and effective responses.

To find more information about AIA's Disaster Assistance program, including existing resources for architects, please consult the Disaster Assistance Web site.

Washington Report

DOJ Issues Proposed Rulemaking to Revise ADA Regulations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to update and revise the federal regulations that will implement new and revised rules for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The proposed rulemaking specifically deals with regulations concerning state and local government services, public accommodations, and commercial facilities. Once enacted, these rulemakings will represent the most sweeping change to federal ADA regulation implementation and enforcement since 1991.

The AIA provided comments on several very specific questions regarding how the 2004 Access Boards draft of the new guidelines should be implemented when the DOJ issued it's advanced noticed of proposed rulemaking in 2003. Since that time, the AIA, along with many other advocacy groups, has been awaiting DOJ's announcement and the release of the proposed rulemaking. The same task group that compiled the AIA's original comments will again be reviewing these rules and preparing comments back to DOJ before the August 18 deadline.

As Congress Goes Home, Housing Relief and Energy Incentives Wait to Be Passed

Members of Congress left town late last week for the July Fourth recess, leaving several important items still on their to-do list.

First and foremost is legislation to provide relief to homeowners and the struggling housing market. The Senate began debate on a bill (H.R. 3221) that would provide tax incentives to homebuyers, reform Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, provide funding to states and localities to buy up foreclosed properties to avoid blight, and help homeowners falling behind on mortgage refinance their loans.

The bill also includes a number of provisions, long-supported by the AIA, that would make changes to how the low-income tax credit can be used in conjunction with the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Since 2003, the AIA has actively advocated for the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (H.R. 1043), legislation that would provide greater incentives for private sector investment in the restoration of older properties to meet current housing demands.

However, action on the housing bill was blocked by a handful of Senators concerned about the bill's cost, and also by senators who want to attach extensions of energy efficiency and renewable energy tax incentives to the bill. As a result, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the bill would not be finished until Congress returns after recess.

"The AIA strongly supports the housing bill's provisions on historic preservation and efforts to help communities address the rising tide of foreclosures," said Andrew Goldberg, Assoc. AIA, senior director of Federal Relations. "We also hope that Congress can come to agreement on extending the tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy." Goldberg noted that several of the incentives, including the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction, are top legislative priorities of the AIA. The commercial building deduction allows for architects and other designers to claim the deduction--equal to $1.80 per square foot for specified energy improvement--if the building is owned by a government agency.

Noting that the tax incentives will expire at the end of 2008 without congressional action, Goldberg said, "We urge AIA members to contact their elected representatives and ask them to make sure these vital incentives for energy efficiency are extended."

To contact your members of Congress, click here.

AIA Helps Establish High Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) speaks at the initial meeting of the High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus.

In an effort to heighten awareness and inform policymakers about the major impact that buildings have on our health, safety, and welfare, the AIA has worked in coalition with building industry groups and members of Congress to establish the High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus (HPBCC). The HPBCC, chaired by Reps. Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Russ Carnahan (D-MO), is the first caucus on Capitol Hill that will work to pursue legislative objectives focusing on the benefits of high-performance buildings.

On June 18, the HPBCC held a congressional briefing to introduce the caucus and bring attention to the benefits of high-performance building design and performance. Andrew Goldberg, Assoc. AIA and senior director of Federal Relations, commended the work of the caucus' co-chairs, as their efforts will ensure that high-performance buildings will now have an even louder voice before Congress. "Congressional caucuses are effective tools to unite members of Congress behind a common interest or legislative goal. Now that we have two of Congress' most knowledgeable and dedicated members leading the HPBCC, we can be sure that issues relating to building performance will get the attention and support they deserve on Capitol Hill."

The HPBCC will work to promote and showcase best practices in building design and focus on all aspects of high-performance buildings. Specifically, the caucus will work on issues relating to accessibility, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, functionality, historic preservation, productivity, safety/security, and sustainability.

To learn more about the HPBCC, please contact AIA Federal Relations team.

State and Local Update

NCARB Approves Six-Month Rule

After much discussion, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) voted last weekend to adopt Resolution 2008-07, commonly known as the "six-month rule." This rule will require mandatory reporting of IDP training units every six months. Under this new rule, training that is not reported within that time period, will begin to expire on the basis of a rolling clock.

It is important to note that the required six month reporting period is linked to the successful implementation of NCARB's Online IDP Reporting System. Therefore, the exact timeline and phasing of these new rules are currently unknown. The AIA is currently developing strategies to help ensure a smooth transition to this regulated reporting period.

The final resolution language that was adopted by the NCARB member boards, as well as the other approved resolutions, can be found on the NCARB Web site.

Component Spotlight: AIA Cincinnati Works to Help Push Green Cincinnati Plan Approval

The Component Spotlight highlights the important work of the more than 300 components across the country. To highlight your component, contact the Angle and describe your component's recent successes and/or innovative initiatives.

John Rademacher, AIA, with Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory (D).

Cincinnati has developed and approved the Green Cincinnati Plan, which will reduce green house gas emissions by eight percent in four years, 40 percent in 20 years, and 84 percent by 2050. Developed by a citizen committee, the plan contains 80 specific recommendations to achieve these goals.

The plan makes short, medium, and long term recommendations in five areas: transportation, energy, waste, land use, and advocacy. Implementation of the Green Cincinnati Plan will achieve multiple benefits for the community, including cleaner air and water, improved public health, monetary savings, stronger local economy, and creation of local jobs.

The plan focuses on helping citizens improve the energy efficiency in the places where they live, work, and play in order to help the region achieve real reduction in utility usage. The plan also ensures that tax dollars are spent more wisely and efficiently by decreasing the city's energy usage by focusing on sustainability.

The Green Cincinnati Action Plan was developed by the Climate Protection Steering Committee appointed by Mayor Mark Mallory (D) and chaired by Vice Mayor David Crowley (D). The Steering Committee received input from over 150 professionals and concerned citizens from diverse organizations, including government, business, environmental, civic, labor, and academic groups. Members of AIA Cincinnati were also represented on the Steering Committee.

John Patrick Rademacher, AIA, past AIA Cincinnati President and member of the AIA Board Advocacy Committee, said, "This is a great example of the value that the citizen architect can have in advocating for issues that enhance the built environment of the communities in which we live and practice."

AIA Cincinnati participants included Rademacher, who served on the Climate Protection Steering Committee; Andy Corn, AIA, on the Energy Task Team; and Marcene Kinney, AIA, on the Advocacy Task Team.

Citizen Architects on the Move

In recent years, the AIA has focused on assisting architects that want to get more involved and active in their communities, as well as helping those architects that are already in elected, appointed, and volunteer positions. At the 2008 AIA National Convention and Design Expo, the AIA Board Advocacy Committee's civic engagement subgroup hosted the Citizen Architect Exchange. As a result of that session, the group is now working on several projects to further this initiative, including creating a database of architects currently holding elected office, running for office, or appointed to commissions at the local and state level, which would allow architects to reach out to each other for advice, support, etc.

Dick Swett, FAIA, a former member of Congress from New Hampshire, addresses citizen architects at the 2008 AIA Convention.

The Exchange, now in its second year, provided civically engaged architects with the ability to network and discuss best practices on becoming more engaged in their communities. Patrick T. Onishi, AIA, chair of the civic engagement subgroup, noted that the attendees represented a good cross-section of citizen architects. "We were all energized by the enthusiasm of the participants as they shared their stories and are committed to build on the success of this year's Citizen Architect Exchange." Civic Engagement subgroup members Peter Steinbrueck, FAIA, and William Roschen, AIA, helped facilitate the Exchange. These two members exemplify the definition of a citizen architect; Steinbrueck served on the Seattle City Council and Roschen currently sits on the Los Angeles Planning Commission.

Chris Walsh, AIA, currently running for the 6th District seat in Middlesex, MA, attended the Citizen Architect Exchange. At the Exchange, he was able to give the group a good overview of the rigors of running for a state legislative position. He discussed the value of the unique perspective that architects are able to bring to the table and noted, "Our [architects'] training is pretty unique with regard to collaboration. When you go into a community setting, many others have not spent their lives collaborating, managing budgets, and prioritizing interests the way architects have."

Walsh added, "We really have to get architects involved in the political process. Without it we're always one step removed from the issues that directly affect us."

The AIA Government Relations team will begin reaching out to local chapters and state components in the coming months to populate the citizen architect database. For additional information on the process, please contact the Civic Engagement subgroup.

AIA Participates in NACo Webinar on Communicating Climate Protection Messages

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Green Government Initiative has begun holding a series of sustainability webinars to inform public officials on greening strategies. On June 18, Stephen K. Loos, AIA, a member of the AIA Board of Directors, participated in the Communicating Your County Climate Protection Message Webinar.

This session sought to answer the question of how counties can effectively communicate with the public and private sectors key to greenhouse gas emission reductions as the counties adopt community reduction targets. The Webinar included county case study presentations from Boulder County, CO; Sarasota County, FL; and Whatcom County, WA. The AIA and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change each presented, with the AIA focusing on the ways that architects can help green communities.

The AIA's presentation included an overview of 2030 efforts and carbon neutral buildings as well as information on the upcoming joint AIA/NACo report, Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties. Loos said of the Webinar, "It was a great opportunity to cover a major focus and effort of the Institute, carbon neutral buildings, and link it to what counties are doing to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Click here to view the Webinar.

News Wrap: News from Around the Nation

The Ohio State House in Columbus.

Ohio Governor Signs Executive Orders to "Think":
As part of his "Think Ohio" initiative, Governor Ted Strickland (D) signed two executive orders aimed to improve business practices in the state. The first reforms the state's procurement policies by targeting state agencies and creating further collaboration for institutions of higher education and local governments. The second increases involvement in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs.
To read more, click here.

Florida Legislature to Cap State GHG Emissions and Increase Funding for Renewable Energies:
Under a new law, state regulators will be directed to establish a cap-and-trade program to limit emissions for power plants and utility companies, which will be financially penalized for exceeding these limits. Lawmakers hope that this will force utilities to turn to wind, solar, and other renewable energies. The law will also create a commission to coordinate the state's energy policy and strengthen green building codes and efficiency standards for appliances. The legislature approved another law that will invest over $2 billion in Florida's high-tech industries including renewable energy.
To read more, click here.

Groundbreaking PAC Rule Goes into Effect in Oklahoma:
The Oklahoma State Ethics Committee proposed a rule that will ban political action committees (PACs) from giving money to other PACs. The law is aimed at ensuring that the public can know every contributor who donates to a campaign. Previously, individuals could donate to a PAC, which funneled money to candidates as a means of escaping the $5,000 limit set in the state. The new rule goes into effect this week.
To read more, click here.

Communities by Design

Texas Community's RUDAT Spurs Participation

The Boerne RUDAT design team.

Boerne, TX, was the subject of the AIA's 141st Regional and Urban Design Assistance Team (RUDAT) project from June 4-9. It was the first RUDAT to be held in Texas in 10 years. The project team included architects, urban designers, landscape architects, historic preservationists, housing experts, green developers, and staff. The project's focus was on Boerne's "Three C's": Cibolo Creek, the Central Business District, and the new Civic Campus.

The team's efforts were supported by a strong contingent of local AIA members, architecture students, and a host of partnering organizations. A group of students from the University of Texas at San Antonio produced a semester-long, in-depth study of the city prior to the team's visit. The intensive RUDAT process included over 700 participants. One local reporter described the high-energy studio work sessions by observing that the architects "bustled like busy bees" in developing the final product. The team worked with local members and students to produce a 92-page draft report, which highlights the team's recommendations, including over two dozen sketches and diagrams. The final report will be available in July. For more information about the Boerne RUDAT, visit the project Web site.

The next RUDAT project will take place in Staten Island, NY, in September. Through the Design Assistance Team (DAT) program, over 500 professionals from 30 disciplines have provided more than $3.5 million in professional pro bono services to more than 150 communities across the country. For more information about the RUDAT program, visit the Center for Communities by Design Web site. To find out how you can become involved in future RUDAT programs, or to find out how your community can participate, please contact the Center for Communities by Design.

The Angle is published by the AIA Government Advocacy Team, 1735 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20006. To contact The Angle, send an email to angle@aia.org.

Archive
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