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AIA Expresses Support for Moving Forward Act

by American Institute of Architects on

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is pledging support for the vertical infrastructure investments in the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), which is expected to receive a vote from the House of Representatives next week.

As part of the proposed $1.5 trillion investment, the Moving Forward Act prioritizes $100 billion for facility upgrades at high-poverty schools, another $100 billion for affordable housing infrastructure; $70 billion for clean energy; $30 billion for healthcare infrastructure; and $3 billion for shovel-ready projects.

“Investing in U.S. infrastructure is integral to jump starting the economy and stimulating a robust recovery,” said AIA 2020 President Jane Frederick, FAIA. “Passing the Moving Forward Act is a necessary next step that we must take as a nation in order to deliver the opportunities that American workers—including architects—desperately need. This investment will also help propel our country in achieving significant strides in climate action, which continues to threaten the future of our planet.”

Specifically, AIA supports the following provisions of the legislation:

  • The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act, which would provide funding for improvements to school infrastructure, especially those in high-poverty areas, and upgrading child-care facilities. Overall, the measure would upgrade childcare facilities, improve safety at schools, and create 1.9 million jobs.
  • Expand the New Markets Tax Credit permanently.
  • Encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings through the temporary increase of the Historic Tax Credit program for all projects, permanently expanding the credit for small projects, and eliminating rules that prevent access for non-profits, including public schools.
  • Amend tax rules to promote equitable development in tribal communities.
  • Improve affordable housing infrastructure by creating and preserving 1.8 million affordable homes.
  • Increase federal investment in low-income housing through a robust expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit with new incentives for rural and tribal communities as well as people at risk of homelessness.
  • Establish a new Neighborhood Investment tax credit that would subsidize certain development costs to encourage the rehabilitation of vacant homes or construction of new homes in distressed areas.
  • Transform the electric grid to expand renewable energy, develop an electric vehicle charging network, and support energy efficiency, weatherization, and Smart Communities infrastructure.

The legislation builds upon AIA’s previously announced policy priorities, which include the INVEST in America Act, introduced in 2019.

About AIA

Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.