Advocacy
Architects care about the places they live, and have the knowledge and tools to make a difference through design.
Through advocacy, AIA Seattle promotes a well-designed, sustainable city with opportunities for all and creates opportunities for architects to impact public policy and civic issues. Our advocacy agenda spans all scales of design in our city. AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board (PPB) leads our advocacy efforts. Input and ideas from members are always welcome.
Ongoing Advocacy Priorities Include:
Join Us
- Seattle Comp Plan: AIA Work Group
- AIA Seattle Housing Task Force
- AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness
- AIA Washington Council Climate Committee (includes Seattle policy)
- Contact Melissa K. Neher for more info on joining these committees
Latest Advocacy Updates
AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board issued two letters to Mayor Harrell and Seattle Councilmembers: one seeking real transformational and transactional change in the Design Review process; the other regarding balancing trees and housing in Seattle tree protection updates. – December 2022
AIA Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan Work Group has taken a position to request rigorous study through EIS Scoping of the best options for Seattle as a unique and vibrant place to live and work, as a tightly knit network of strong neighborhoods, and a place where access to opportunity, housing, and services are enjoyed by everyone. – August 2022
AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board issued a draft climate policy statement to help us prioritize engagement in climate solutions. A final version of the statement will be approved by the AIA Seattle board of Directors in 2023. – July 2022
The White House engages on building performance; comments needed on the state commercial energy code; an update on legislative action in Olympia – February 2022
State Advocacy
AIA Washington Council is hard at work for you, promoting legislation on green buildings and livable places, supporting a sustainable state economy, and protecting your ability to practice architecture. Learn more at aiawa.org.
National Advocacy
The AIA represents the interests of architects before the federal government and policy-making bodies. This outreach, coupled with sustained member participation and active involvement in the political process, enables the AIA to advocate on behalf of legislative, regulatory, and related issues important to AIA members. Learn more at aia.org or review AIA National’s 2020 policy platform here.
Contact
For additional information on AIA Seattle public policy priorities and activities, or to share your views as an AIA Seattle member, contact Executive Director, Melissa K. Neher.
Advocacy Updates Archive
2021
2020
A state legislative session like no other; Climate Advocacy Week wrap-up; new affordable housing measures in Seattle – December 2020
State election results; Washington’s new (draft) State Energy Strategy; AIA’s Climate Advocacy Week; Seattle Design Review Board vacancies – November 2020
National AIA policy platform, state rulemaking updates, Omnibus legislation, virtual Design Review, Portland’s zoning reform – August 2020
Social Justice, Codes and movement on opening of offices – June 2020
COVID resources, more climate webinars, legislative adjustments to Seattle’s MHA program and its ADU laws – April 2020
2019
AIA joins a regional housing coalition; Seattle completes its 2020 budget; Seattle seeks comments on SEPA thresholds and solid waste storage – December 2019
AIA|WA’s Advocacy Summit, pre-approved plans for DADUs, AIA Seattle’s Housing Policy Statement, Seattle’s budget process – October 2019
ADU legislation signed; AIA National’s Disruption, Evolution and Change; an architect joins the State House – July 2019
State Legislature Adjourns; updates to Seattle housing legislation, and Affordable Housing Week – May 2019
Updates from AIA Grassroots, Olympia, and Shift Zero; plus MHA passes, and more – March 2019
AIA hosts Virtual Capitol Hill Day, updates on the 2019 legislative session from AIA|WA, & opportunities to get involved – February 2019
2019 Legislative Session Kicks Off; AIA Seattle Joins the Housing Development Consortium – January 2019
2018
2021 ICC Voting Open; AIA|WA Reacts to Midterm Election Results; MHA Lawsuit Concludes; and more – November 2018
Disaster Recovery Reform Act, 2018 Advocacy Summit, Seattle’s final ADU EIS, & opportunities to get involved – October 2018
Report from Global Climate Action Summit, AIA Washington Council Advocacy Summit and 2019 legislative priorities, & more – September 2018
AIA Initiative to combat school violence through design; SDCI responds to complaints against Accela portal, SDF 2018, & more – August 2018
I-1631 Endorsement, Seattle Climate Action Plan, & Waterfront Local Improvement District (LID) – May 2018
Climate Initiatives, Parking Reform, Advocacy Events & More – April 2018
Passing of the Capital Budget, Climate and Housing Initiatives, & more – March 2018
2018 Legislative Session, Shift Zero, & Local News + Events – February 2018
Capital Budget Passes, Parking Reform, Housing, & more – January 2018
2017
AIA Seattle Homelessness Task Force, Capital Budget, & Advocacy Opportunities – September 2017
Summer 2017 Advocacy Updates – Mayoral Forum, Capital Budget & more – July 2017
Seattle Mayoral Candidates Forum on the Built Environment – July 17, 2017
Comment on Seattle’s MHA Draft EIS – June 2017
Seattle’s Next MHA + Upzone Area: Chinatown/International District – May 2017
What’s Happening With the Waterfront? – May 2017
City Council Votes on HALA-related rezones for downtown and SLU – April 2017
Federal, State and Local Advocacy Updates – and a New Advocacy Manager – March 2017
HALA: What’s Happening Now – February 2017
Carbon Pricing Discussions in Olympia – January 2017
