STATE NEWS State Legislative Session The Legislature adjourned minutes before midnight on April 28, marking the first time in 10 years that a legislature has ended a budget-writing session on time. The state budgets were pushed through in the final…
Blog Archives
Advocacy Update – April 2019
FEDERAL NEWS AIA Pledges Support for the Invest in America Act AIA National is supporting a newly-introduced federal bill, the Invest in America Act (HR 2210), which was introduced on April 10 by Rep. John Larson (D-Connecticut) and Rep. Kenny…
Advocacy Update – March 2019
FEDERAL NEWS AIA Grassroots An AIA Seattle contingent attended AIA’s Grassroots conference in Washington, D.C. this month and participated in Hill Day, where AIA members from across the nation head to Capitol Hill to meet with their legislators. AIA Seattle…
Advocacy Update – February 2019
FEDERAL NEWS Virtual Capitol Hill Day AIA members not attending AIA National’s Grassroots conference in DC next month are invited to participate in a Virtual Capitol Hill Day instead. On March 6, AIA members will be able to use this…
Advocacy Update – September 2018
NATIONAL NEWS AIA Seattle Director Represents AIA at Global Climate Action Summit AIA Seattle Executive Director Lisa Richmond joined the AIA National delegation at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco in mid-September. The Summit was convened by the…
Advocacy Update – August 2018
NATIONAL NEWS AIA Adds Voice in Opposition to Asbestos AIA National issued comments to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Acting Administrator this month on asbestos, opposing a proposed new federal rule that would create a pathway to consider new uses…
Advocacy Update – July 2018
STATE NEWS I-1631 Reaches Ballot, Endorsements Sought The signature gathering effort for Washington Initiative 1631, which would establish a carbon fee to reduce incentives for fossil fuel use, generate funds to invest in renewable resources and promote energy efficiency, was…
Advocacy Update – June 2018
STATE NEWS Mass Timber AIA Washington Council submitted a proposal to the State Building Code Council (SBCC) in May to permit the use of mass timber in the construction of taller buildings. Proposals are currently being reviewed by the SBCC’s…
Advocacy Update – May 2018
STATE NEWS AIA Seattle Endorses I-1631 AIA Seattle’s Board of Directors has endorsed Washington Initiative 1631, the Protect Washington Act, which would establish a carbon fee to reduce incentives for fossil fuel use, generate funds to invest in renewable resources…
Advocacy Update – April 2018
STATE NEWS Carbon Ballot Measure This month a Thurston County judge approved the ballot title language for I-1631, this year’s carbon initiative aimed at reaching the November ballot. Ballot titles can make or break an initiative, and the judge’s…
Advocacy Update – March 2018
STATE NEWS Legislative Session This year’s 60-day legislative session was characterized by significant movement on several Democratic priorities that had been stalled in recent years. As a result of the Democrats taking full control of state government in 2018, bills…
Advocacy Update – February 2018
With the 2018 Legislative Session in full swing, it continues to be a busy time in advocacy for the built environment. Read on to learn more about the bills AIA Washington Council is following most closely, as well as updates on Shift Zero, Seattle’s search for a new Seattle City Light CEO, and ways to get involved locally. Read more
Advocacy Update – December 2017
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Architects asked to respond to EPA’s assault on the environment
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced on Oct. 10 that his agency will withdraw the Clean Power Plan which requires states to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards based on their individual energy consumption. Architects Advocate is asking members to take…
Being an Effective Advocate: A Guide for AIA Seattle Members
Legislators look to their constituents to bring information to their attention and to let them know how they want to be represented. Architects can play a key role in public policy debates and decisions on issues important to the built…
Join AIA Seattle’s Committee on Homelessness
AIA Seattle’s public policy advocacy efforts span all aspects of a well-designed, livable city. Our concept of a livable city includes one where everyone has a home. AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board has been exploring issues related to homelessness and…
Champions for Change: AIA Advocacy Opportunities
Opportunities to Comment ADUs/DADUs Comment on the scope of Seattle’s proposed ADU environmental impact statement, comment period extended to Nov. 16: http://www.seattle.gov/council/adu-eis Opportunities for Action Urban Design Transform downtown Seattle by volunteering your time on the Lid I-5 project Climate…
Summer 2017 Advocacy Updates – Mayoral Forum, Capital Budget & More
AIA Washington Council’s Spring Advocacy Conference prepares members for the next legislative session AIA Washington Council held its Spring Advocacy Conference in June to make preparations for the 2018 state legislative session. Although the 2017 session remained stuck in budget…
Posted in For the Profession, Public Policy Board
Built Environment Mayoral Candidate Forum
Seattle will have a new mayor next year, and the built environment of our city is under stress like never before. How do the candidates propose to accommodate the 3,125 new Seattleites who arrive each month while addressing the homelessness…
City Council votes on HALA-related rezones for Downtown and SLU
On Monday, April 10, the full Seattle City Council will vote to expand the City’s Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) rezone program to Downtown and South Lake Union. MHA will require developers to build affordable homes or contribute to a City…
Posted in Public Policy Board
Federal, State and Local Advocacy Updates – and a new Advocacy Manager
The past month has been an active one for advocacy on the built environment, at every level, from city to state to federal. As always, AIA advocacy is led by our members’ interests, and enhanced by the expertise and engagement…