Top priorities for AIA's Spring Into Action campaign

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched its Spring Into Action advocacy campaign, a dynamic, multi-week initiative urging architects and policymakers to advance strategic investments in resilience, housing, small business support, equity, and climate-forward design.  

"At the end of the day, advocacy must always be about advocating with external audiences. It must be about action," says AIA Chief Advocacy Officer Alexander Cochran, Esq. "It must be focused on core issues that affect the members in their practice of architecture." 

With each themed week targeting a specific issue, the campaign demonstrates how architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities nationwide. 

Stability: The importance of steady federal programs and partnerships 

At the beginning of April, AIA launched the campaign by spotlighting the impact of stability in the federal funding landscape on architects and their work. Amid quickly shifting circumstances in Washington, the campaign emphasized the importance of steady government investment as a grounding force for the profession. 

The Spring Into Action center gives members tools to directly advocate for their members of congress on issues that matter to architects. AIA also began collecting stories from architects about how funding uncertainty affects their projects, businesses, and communities—laying the foundation for a powerful member-driven message on the need for stability in government programs and partnerships. 

As one member put it, "Chaos around the future of federal policies on taxes, climate, housing and federal funding are causing people to lose confidence in the future ... They are holding back from deciding to invest in our communities. This hurts design and construction companies and neighborhoods that need investment to serve their people well." 

Taxes: Fueling innovation and growth through smart policy

During the week of April 13, the campaign turned to tax policies that help architecture businesses big and small thrive in their communities. AIA members sent letters to their members of congress urging lawmakers to support key tax provisions—including the 199A pass-through deduction, the 179D energy-efficient commercial building incentive, and R&D credits critical to design innovation. 

These policies directly impact architects' ability to invest in their businesses, take on sustainable projects, and stay competitive in the marketplace. 

One member said, "As a small business trying to survive in New York City, we compete directly with large, national and international firms. We rely on the existing R&D tax credit, 199A pass-through deduction, to maintain our razor-thin profit margin. These are literally the difference for us between profit and loss." By speaking up, AIA members made it clear: fair, reliable tax policy is essential to a strong design economy.

Resiliency: Building safer communities before disaster strikes 

During the week of April 21, AIA spotlighted the urgent need for proactive disaster mitigation, submitting a formal appropriations request to the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees. The letter called for robust funding of pre-disaster mitigation programs, reinforcing that every $1 spent on resilience can save $13 in future recovery costs.

On Earth Day, AIA encouraged its members to advocate for full funding of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. Through emails and social media, AIA called upon its members to press lawmakers for forward-thinking investment that not only prevents damage but also safeguards lives through resilient design. 

Midweek, the AIA publicly endorsed the bipartisan FIREWALL Act, introduced by Senator Adam Schiff, which proposes tax credits for homeowners investing in disaster-resistant upgrades. AIA President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, praised the legislation, emphasizing its potential to empower individuals while lessening the economic toll of natural disasters.

In collaboration with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), AIA also signed a letter urging Congress to prioritize resilient infrastructure in the FY2025 budget, advocating for smarter investments that reinforce communities from the ground up. 

To close the week, AIA members across the country met with lawmakers, sharing stories and data that illustrated the power of architectural solutions in community resilience and safety. These face-to-face conversations served as a powerful reminder: architects are not just designers—they are advocates for public safety. 

Housing: Advocating for affordable and equitable living spaces 

During the week of April 28, AIA turned its attention to America's housing crisis. The focus was support for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)—a bipartisan tool  that has driven affordable housing development for nearly four decades. Through LinkedIn posts and direct member outreach, AIA encouraged architects to share real-world stories of how LIHTC-supported projects have improved communities.

Regarding LIHTC, one AIA member said: “In my State of Idaho, I see LIHTCs & CDBG grants as literally the ONLY successful tools we have for providing affordable housing and infrastructure. The state has already dictated that not only can local jurisdictions not charge fees to support affordable housing, but they also cannot regulate short term housing.”

Another wrote: “I have seen over and over again how LIHTC projects spur on private investment in the surrounding area like no other projects I work on as an architect. And every year there are four to five times as many applications as there are awards. An increase in LIHTC funding would not only be the most potent way to address the housing crisis but would also create massive economic development in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.” 

These firsthand accounts will be compiled to build a compelling case for congressional leaders, aiming to strengthen and modernize the LIHTC through the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) of 2025. AIA endorsed the bill at week’s end, praising its potential to increase housing supply, stabilize the housing market, and reduce costs for vulnerable populations. 

Additionally, AIA submitted an appropriations letter urging continued support for essential U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Community Development Block Grants, and the Healthy Homes Program. The call to action was clear: these programs drive local economies and provide critical housing options—and they must be protected. 

Small business and tax week: Supporting the backbone of architecture 

During the week of May 5, the campaign shifted to focus on the needs of small architecture firms. AIA organized a Capitol Hill fly-in where small firm leaders advocated for tax policies like the 199A pass-through deduction and incentives for energy-efficient design. These policies directly affect their ability to grow, hire, and innovate.  

Architects took to LinkedIn to amplify the message: small firms are vital to the profession and to the communities they serve. By backing these firms with supportive policies, Congress can help maintain a diverse and resilient architectural workforce. 

Equity and design: Shaping a just future 

This week, the campaign will explore the meaning of equitable communities through legislative engagement and a visible presence at the APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit Gala, where President Evelyn Lee will highlight how equitable design can help address environmental injustice and housing disparities. 

The following week will focus on design, reinforcing the architect’s role in building not just infrastructure but culture, identity, and inclusive opportunity. With Congress in session, AIA will continue to promote design-centered policies that serve both function and humanity.  

Looking ahead: Climate and resiliency 

The campaign will culminate in early June with a return to climate and resiliency—just in time for the start of hurricane season. With climate threats mounting and key programs facing funding cuts, AIA will urge its members and the public to once again speak up for policies that ensure long-term sustainability, protect vulnerable populations, and build durability into America’s built environment.