Washington, D.C., March 24,
2008 — In order to strengthen relationships between Members of Congress
and the architectural profession, the American Institute of
Architects (AIA) is conducting its inaugural Advocacy Week during
March 24 – 29, 2008. This is an organized, in-district
congressional visit program designed to connect AIA members with
their congressional representatives during district work
periods.
“The intention of this program is for local AIA members to
meet with their respective representative in their home district
rather than contend with numerous distractions when Congress is in
session,” said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, government
and community relations. “This approach can allow a more
detailed discussion on the issues and the value of architects in
the community, as well as outline the benefits of AIA policies in
the real world.”
The three key AIA 2008 legislative
“asks”:
• Enact incentives for energy-efficient buildings:
Ask members of Congress to vote to extend tax incentives to promote
energy efficiency and cosponsor legislation, soon to be introduced
by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) that will provide incentives for
homebuilders and homeowners to design, construct, and renovate
energy-efficient homes and neighborhoods.
• Promote healthy and safe communities through transportation
funding: Oppose proposals to raid the Mass Transit Trust Fund to
shore up the Highway Trust Fund and support provisions in next
year’s highway bill that provide incentives for projects that
build safe and prosperous communities.
• Eliminate retainage rules on architects and engineers: Urge
members of Congress to pass legislation to eliminate the 10 percent
retainage of fees on architects and engineers who contract with the
federal government.
Click here for more information on AIA Advocacy
Week
About The American Institute of
Architects
For over 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects
have worked with each other and their communities to create more
valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and
cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge,
and tools to create better design, and through such resources and
access, they help clients and communities make their visions
real.
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