AIA President Evelyn Lee Leads National Conversation on America's Housing Crisis

Tampa, FL – June 20, 2025 – President Lee spoke to more than 300 mayors during a plenary panel discussion with the US Representative and USCM Second Vice President at the US Conference of Mayors 93^rd Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL. 

In his remarks, Mayor Gloria touted bold action taken by his administration to reduce permitting delays and the significant increase in housing permits under his leadership. Representative Castor spoke to the critical need for continued federal funding and encouraged architects and mayors to speak up in support of programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). 

President Lee shared key findings from the recent USCM-AIA Housing Needs Survey and encouraged mayors to partner with AIA to address America’s housing crisis. Mayor Gloria highlighted Midway Rising, a project that will convert an existing 48-acre Sports Arena site into a vibrant, mixed-use community with 4,250 new homes, including 2,000 income-restricted affordable, a new entertainment arena, open space, and retail. Once under construction, Midway Rising will be the largest affordable housing development project on the West coast.

Congresswoman Castor shared the story of North Tampa’s University Area Cultural Campus, a local project that received over $17 million in federal support, including $15 million in EPA Community Change Grant Program funding through the Inflation Reduction Act.  The University Area Cultural Campus is now under construction and when completed, will provide new community spaces, cultural programs, and affordable housing.

President Lee followed the plenary discussion with a series of meetings with key mayors to encourage them to streamline local permitting processes and build more housing. Additionally, Mayor Corey Woods, Tempe, AZ brought a resolution on behalf of AIA, calling on mayors to proactively collaborate with local architects to deliver innovative housing solutions. Mayors Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln, NE, and Julie Sayers, Lenexa, KS joined mayors Woods, cosponsoring the resolution and sharing how design has meaningfully shaped their communities. The resolution was adopted unanimously.