The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and more than 400 of its architect members attended meetings on February 15 with their Members of Congress. As professionals and constituents, AIA members advocated for two bipartisan pieces of legislation that benefit communities and their inhabitants.
Architects met with legislators to discuss the Democracy In Design Act (S.366), to ensure that communities across the country maintain a voice in the design of federal buildings consistent with their preferences, culture, topographies, and design traditions. Architects also advocated for the Resilient AMERICA Act, which would make significant changes to the federal government’s ability to prepare communities for future natural disasters. The bill accomplishes this by increasing federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
AIA Lobby Day is one component of this year’s AIA Leadership Summit. AIA’s Lobby Day provides architects with a platform to directly advocate in support of legislation impacting the profession. Visit AIA’s website to learn more about its advocacy efforts.
Eighteen AIA members from Ohio, including six from Columbus, participated in AIA Lobby Day.