Architects and the Political Process
Architects impact the lives of every man, woman and child.
Architects need a strong voice on a wide range of issues from community design to transportation planning, energy and water consumption to education and historic preservation, housing and building codes to green building standards and construction permitting, public procurement and project delivery to professional licensing and continuing education.
The only way architects will be heard on these issues is to speak with one voice – with the grassroots strength to back it up. Architects need to be active participants in the policy-making process. That can be done both as citizens and through the American Institute of Architects.
Gone are the days when architects quietly sat back, allowing others to take the lead. Architects have a vision for America – and the AIA has a bold, aggressive new issue agenda that reflects our values as well as our practice needs:
- Sustainable, healthy, livable communities.
- New incentives for affordable housing, green buildings, historic preservation and Brownfield renewal.
- Energy and water conservation.
- Better, safer schools and civic spaces.
- Affordable health insurance for small businesses.
- Liability laws that minimize lawsuit abuse.
- Reduced permitting delays.
- Clear buildings codes and accessibility guidelines.
- Sound licensing regulations.
It's time to act. After all, if we don't – who will?
