Architects called to lead as key partners in solving housing crisis at U.S. Conference of Mayors

At the 93rd U.S. Conference of Mayors Meeting in Tampa, Fl., from June 19-22, AIA 2025 President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, underscored the critical role of architects in shaping the built environment.  

A fireside chat with Florida congresswoman Kathy Castor and San Diego mayor Todd Gloria, led by Lee, highlighted key findings from the USCM-AIA Housing Needs Survey and encouraged mayors and architects to support essential federal funding for affordable housing. Mayor Gloria, who will become the 83rd president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2026, implored mayors to take bold, executive action to reduce or eliminate barriers to housing and look to architects as important partners.  

“Much of the reason why it’s taken so long to build housing in my state is a labyrinth of unnecessary, burdensome, and bureaucratic processes,” Gloria said. “To be blunt, process is killing progress.”  

Representative Castor emphasized the University Area Cultural Campus in North Tampa as an affordable housing win, highlighting the development’s community spaces and cultural developments. The project, which was designed by AIA members and is now nearing construction, received critical funding through the EPA’s Community Change Grants Program and the Inflation Reduction Act. Congresswoman Castor implored mayors and architects alike to speak out in support of these vital federal programs.

Throughout the event, President Lee reiterated AIA’s central message: That architects stand ready to partner with local leaders to solve problems and address America’s housing affordability crisis.

USCM responded to President Lee’s call, unanimously passing a resolution urging mayors to proactively collaborate with local architects to expand access to vibrant communities and broaden economic opportunity for all.

Following the fireside chat, several mayors spoke directly with President Lee to share their own stories and to thank AIA for leading a national conversation on this important issue.   

Mayors also continued to share their frustration with ongoing permitting delays in their cities. AIA’s delegation, spearheaded by President Lee, met individually with more than 15 mayors from large and small cities alike. An overwhelming majority of these mayors were eager to learn more about AIA’s permit streamlining policies, including architect self-certification and third-party review. Nearly all mayors indicated that more timely permitting is badly needed and that they are looking to architects for innovative solutions.

While in Tampa, President Lee also joined AIA Tampa leadership for a tour of local architecture landmarks and to encourage the chapter to continue their work championing resilient design following recent hurricanes.