The AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is a powerful tool for strategic impact, shaped through extensive input from members, volunteers, board leaders, and community partners. Working under an aligned vision for a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, thriving communities, the strategic plan furthers the missions of both organizations by deploying design to make a difference, preparing our community to lead, and sustaining healthy organizations.
Each year, we translate the long-term vision of the strategic plan into an Annual Plan that identifies clear priorities and actions for the year ahead. Our 2026 Annual Plan reflects this alignment and focuses the work of both organizations. Underpinning the work of AIA Seattle is our three Strategic Imperatives that guide all programs, advocacy, and investments: Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI); Climate; and Housing.
Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
In 2026, we are furthering our commitment to reducing barriers, expanding access, and ensuring leadership pathways reflect the diversity of our community.
Key efforts of 2026 include:
- Expanding licensure support through ARE testing resources, enhanced mentorship, and clearer guidance for emerging professionals and international practitioners.
- Conducting targeted listening sessions to better understand engagement barriers and inform more inclusive outreach strategies.
- Refining awards, honors, and leadership nomination processes to increase transparency and create clearer, more equitable pathways to recognition and leadership.
Leading on Climate Action
Climate leadership remains central to how we deploy design expertise and advocate for resilient communities.
In 2026, we will be:
- Finalizing and advocating from AIA Seattle’s Climate Policy Statement, reinforcing our role as a trusted voice on climate-responsive design and policy.
- Evolving evaluation criteria within design awards to better reflect energy performance and climate impact.
- Continuing advocacy at the local and regional level to support policies that advance decarbonization and climate resilience across our 10-county chapter area.
Championing Housing
Architects play a critical role in addressing our region’s housing challenges, and AIA Seattle continues to elevate the collective voice of our members.
In 2026, our work includes:
- Ongoing engagement in the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan and related legislative efforts to support equitable growth and increased housing options.
- Updating our position on Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) to reflect real-world outcomes and lessons learned across the region.
- Expanding community storytelling to highlight housing-focused partnerships and community-driven solutions year-round.
The 2026 Annual Plan reflects input from our community who expressed a desire for meaningful advocacy, accessible leadership pathways, and design leadership that centers equity, climate responsibility, and housing justice. We look forward to continuing this work alongside our members and volunteers as we turn strategy into action in 2026.
