Advocacy
AIA is the voice of architecture to legislators at the federal, state, and local levels. Here you can engage your legislators, use our tools and resources to develop skills as an advocate to build power for architects, and learn more about AIA’s top 2022 federal policy wins.
Architects work at the leading edge of a $1 trillion construction industry. Architects have always dared to reach higher and set new standards. Our next architectural achievements will be measured by how well they respond to a post-pandemic world, eradicate inequity, fuel economic recovery, eliminate carbon emissions, and nurture individual and community health.
Now is the time for urgent and decisive action on these issues. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is stepping up to the challenge and addressing the needs of our economy, climate, and communities. We aim to tackle the crushing student debt of our members; support disadvantaged businesses; and make real progress to end the systemic racism that has existed for centuries and continues to grip our nation. We promote meaningful policies to enable architects to build better buildings that will sustain a healthy country.
Advocacy: Get Engaged
Your voice makes a difference on Capitol Hill, at the statehouse, and in city halls. AIA’s more than 94,000 members must speak up and amplify what matters to architects by actively engaging with policy makers through lobbying at the federal and state levels, advocating for the modernization of building codes, and ArchiPAC.
Social impact
ArchiPAC
Since 1980, the American Institute of Architects political action committee (ArchiPAC) has supported pro-architect candidates' election to Congress. It is governed by a Steering Committee of up to 11 AIA member volunteer leaders, appointed by AIA’s president and confirmed by the Board of Directors. Guided by AIA’s values, these AIA leaders assure all dollars raised and spent advance AIA’s Policy Platform on fostering prosperous, sustainable, and equitable communities that benefit the whole nation.
Citizen Architect
By taking action, being involved in their communities, and engaging legislators, Citizen Architects are the driving force behind AIA’s advocacy efforts. Visit to learn more about our Citizen Architects and what they are doing to make a difference.
Initiative
Codes Advocacy Program
Stay current on the latest in building codes, including code changes and proposed updates, webinars, and curated content covering legislative changes.
Recent articles
Explore current topics of interest to AIA members.
COP27: AIA attends the 2022 United Nations Conference on Climate Change
AIA sends an official delegation to COP27 to raise awareness of the role of the building sector, to connect with decision-makers and partner organizations, and to advocate for policies that support decarbonization and adaptation.
Social impact
Democracy in Design Act, climate, and equity top AIA 2022 policy priorities
As AIA continues its campaign in support of BBBA's climate and equity investments, here's a summary of other top policy priorities for 2022.
Resilience
Next steps on infrastructure: Senate debates Build Back Better Act
With the bipartisan “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” signed into law, AIA’s advocacy campaign is now targeting passage of the Build Back Better Act.
Social impact
Support Democracy in Design
AIA launches a petition to support bipartisan legislation to prevent federal design mandates that limit a community from selecting the best for its location.
Additional documents, & reports
Press Release
AIA applauds Congress for authorizing the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse
Jun 27, 2022
AIA applauds bipartisan leaders in Congress for authorizing the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse, passed Friday as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This has remained an AIA and member-backed priority since 2018.
Climate action plan
AIA is creating a Climate Action Plan designed to establish actionable steps, and provide the tools and resources for architects to achieve climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
Where architects stand: A statement of our values
The AIA works to advance our nation’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, as it has done for 160 years.
Directory of AIA public policies and position statements
Learn about the public policies and position statements of the AIA.
Building codes
Disruption, evolution, change
The American Institute of Architects is committed to improving the environmental stewardship of the design, construction, and preservation of buildings and spaces. Disruption, Evolution, Change: AIA’s vision for the future of building codes, design and construction