AIA Issues 2015 Legislative Agenda

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 16, 2015) – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently announced a legislative agenda for the 114th Congress that sets a path for increasing construction activity, creating jobs, preserving the nation’s heritage and ensuring that new generations of architects design a resilient future for America.

“Working together, the 85,000 members of the AIA have proven to be a powerful catalyst for passing legislation on Capitol Hill that not only increases economic activity but also enhances the common good,” said Elizabeth Chu Richter, AIA president, FAIA. The agenda includes the following:

1. Advance policies that help communities prepare for and respond to the challenges they face.

∙ Support legislation to spur states to adopt better building codes
∙ Enact national Good Samaritan legislation
∙ Promote resiliency planning in communities

2. Laws and regulations that help design and construction firms create jobs.

∙ Make sure that the federal marketplace is open to firms of all sizes
∙ Advance policies that help small businesses grow and create jobs
∙ Ensure the tax code treats all firms fairly
∙ Help the profession become more globally competitive

3. Policies that promote good design.

∙ Support federal 2030 targets and pass consensus energy efficiency legislation
∙ Restore the 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction
∙ Protect and enhance the historic preservation tax credit
∙ Create a national infrastructure bank and restore Build America Bonds
∙ Enhance the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
∙ Promote design excellence across all federal agencies

4. Policies that invest in the next generation of architects and the profession.

∙ Pass the National Design Services Act, which lets architecture school graduates work off student debt with community service
∙ Foster a regulatory environment that enables architecture firms to invest in research and workforce development
∙ Support pro bono and community work in underserved areas

 For more information, visit AIA.