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Architecture | Business

AIA Launches New Policy Platform 2020

by American Institute of Architects on

Ahead of the upcoming conventions, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is launching its new Policy Platform 2020. The platform details AIA’s advocacy priorities that will advance the architecture profession and improve the built environment by addressing economic, climate and community needs in the U.S.

“AIA supports strong and unequivocal policies that ensure that urgent climate change issues, including those that disproportionately impact communities of color, are immediately addressed,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA. “It is time to reinvigorate our economy, while also ensuring robust investment in infrastructure and our communities.”

AIA has shared the Policy Platform 2020 with both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee. The platform focuses on three key areas:

Economy

AIA is calling on the federal government to prioritize job creation and equitable access to opportunities by:

  • Investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture and Math (STEAM) and student loan debt relief to strengthen a diverse talent pipeline.
  • Strengthening the inclusion of businesses owned and operated by historically underrepresented groups including women and racially and ethnically diverse business owners in contract policy.
  • Backing tax incentives that spark resilient, sustainable, and equitable development.
  • Supporting investment in low-income housing tax credits and historic preservation tax credits.
  • Encouraging favorable tax policies for small businesses.
  • Promoting research and development in tax credits and research funding.

Climate Action

AIA is advocating federal action to eliminate all building carbon emissions by 2040 through:

  • Rejoining the Paris Climate Accord.
  • Promoting science-based environmental regulation and research.
  • Addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change and environmental degradation on Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency in buildings.
  • Promoting renewable energy and embrace building electrification.
  • Creating federal incentives for the adoption of net zero carbon energy codes.

Healthy and Equitable Communities

AIA urges the federal government to commit to a future built environment that improves individual health and prepares communities to weather a variety of storms through:

  • Catalyzing accessible and affordable housing.
  • Promoting toxin-free living in buildings.
  • Confronting the legacy of discriminatory zoning and housing policies on BIPOC who have been historically marginalized with deleterious economic disinvestment.
  • Housing those who are experiencing homelessness and providing related supportive services.
  • Advancing equitable development, including mass transit-oriented development, multimodal streets, and reformed Opportunity Zones.
  • Funding best practices for school design to promote healthy, safe learning environments.
  • Advocating for federal funding to support healthcare surge.
  • Improving building resilience and adaptation to allow populations to shelter-in-place.
  • Integrating buildings into the grid to promote energy resilience.
  • Funding flood and risk mapping, while also prioritizing resilient land-use policies.

Learn more about AIA’s advocacy priorities and efforts online.

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.