Image credit: Ryan Packer / The Urbanist

Advocacy Update – November 2025

This Month in Advocacy: AIA National responds to White House Ballroom Project; Join AIA Seattle’s Housing Advocacy Committee meetings; Katie Wilson as mayor-elect; and Seattle’s Comp Plan Update going to City Council for vote in weeks ahead.

AIA National Advocacy News

In August, AIA National issued a strong call for preservation, transparency, and professional accountability in response to the federal administration’s plan to demolish the White House East Wing and construct a large new ballroom. In a formal letter to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, AIA urged the project team to adopt a preservation-first approach, emphasizing the importance of stewarding one of the nation’s most significant historic buildings.

AIA National has now launched a campaign urging Congress to investigate the demolition process, citing a lack of sufficient review and oversight as the East Wing teardown proceeds. This advocacy underscores AIA’s broader commitment to safeguarding public trust and protecting nationally significant historic architecture.

AIA Seattle Local Advocacy News

Join a December Conversation about Condo Liability Reform! AIA Seattle’s Housing Advocacy Committee provides a forum for members to discuss key housing and land use issues, share insights, and strengthen their advocacy skills. In December, partner organization Housing Development Consortium (HDC) will be joining the HAC meeting to gather information to support HDC efforts for Condo Liability Reform legislation in Olympia. AIAWA Council staff are planning to participate in this conversation as well. Come to listen, learn, or share on December 11. Learn more and register here.

City of Seattle voters elected Katie Wilson as mayor. Her platform focused on addressing Seattle’s affordability and homelessness crisis through equity-centered strategies, including creating 4,000 new shelter or emergency housing units, expanding tiny-home villages in partnership with faith communities, and launching a municipal rent-voucher program. She has publicly supported significantly increasing multi-family housing near transit to provide more family-sized, accessible options. AIA Seattle is eager to build relationships with the new administration and will continue to amplify member voices on topics impacting the profession.

The City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update was unanimously approved by the City Council’s Select Committee in September, and the plan is now undergoing additional environmental review, which must be completed before the full Council takes a final vote on December 16. Phase 2 zoning legislation specific to Neighborhood Centers and frequent-transit corridors is anticipated to roll out in early 2026. AIA Seattle is tracking the process and will share opportunities for members to engage as the City moves toward adoption and implementation.