Advocacy Update – November 2024

AIA Seattle brings together a community of professionals across ten counties who are united not only in profession, but in purpose, through our vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities.

Now is a great time to focus on our local community in Washington. AIA Seattle will continue supporting members to advocate for the profession and livable communities, through our strategic priorities of climate, housing, and JE:DI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).

Post-Election Outcomes:

I-2117 fails – WA Climate Commitment Act remains in place
Washington State voters voted NO on I-2117, an initiative that would have removed support to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and removed funds to support climate-resiliency, clean transportation and health of communities around the state. AIA Seattle endorsed the NO campaign and appreciates members who took action in the campaign.

I-2066 passed and will require utility companies to keep investing in natural gas. Opponents plan litigation to restore the legislature’s goal to incentivize building electrification. Some parts of the initiative take effect once election results are certified on December 5.

Passage of the initiative:

• repeals elements of House Bill 1589, intended to accelerate utility companies’ transition away from natural gas.
• requires changes to the energy code, approved by the Washington State Building Code Council, to remove incentives in the permitting process for choosing electric heat pumps instead of natural gas furnaces.

$1.55 billion transportation levy passed in the City of Seattle to invest in Seattle’s roads, bridges, sidewalks, and transit.

Review official election results in AIA Seattle’s 10-county area.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle