DesignVote08

Republican, Democratic Platforms Endorse Green Buildings, Infrastructure
Platforms also call for health reform to help small companies

As they met over the last two weeks to nominate their candidates for president and vice president, the Democratic and Republican parties adopted platforms that espouse the importance of well-designed buildings and increased infrastructure investments. For a full analysis of the proposals, visit the Angle Blog.

The Republican National Convention (photo courtesy of Nick Ruehl, AIA).

This week, the Republicans approved a platform at their convention in St. Paul, MN, that calls on the country to "construct better and smarter buildings, use smarter thermostats and transmission grids, increase recycling, and make energy-efficient consumer purchases." The GOP platform also calls for Americans to have more conservation options.

Meanwhile, the Democrats approved a platform at their Denver, CO, convention last week that also backs green building. "Building on the innovative efforts of the private sector, states, cities, and tribes across the country, we will . . . install a smarter grid, build more efficient buildings, and use the power of federal and military purchasing programs to jumpstart promising new markets and technologies."

Both platforms express support for the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, like wind, solar, and geothermal. They differ, however, on climate change; the Democratic platform endorses a mandatory cap-and-trade program while the GOP platform supports voluntary measures.

Communities, Infrastructure, and Housing
Both platforms discuss the need to invest in communities and the nation's infrastructure, and both parties expressed support for helping Americans purchase and keep their homes. The Democratic platform emphasizes livable communities and smart growth principles, and a proposed National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to "leverage private investment in infrastructure improvements, and create nearly two million new good jobs." On housing, the Democrats support a newly created Affordable Housing Trust Fund, restoration of cuts to public housing operating subsidies, a fully funded Community Development Block Grant program, and a new White House Office on Urban Policy.

The Republicans "support a level of investment in the nation's transportation system that will promote a healthy economy, sustain jobs, and keep America globally competitive," and emphasized their commitment to minimizing transportation's impact on climate change, local environments, and the nation's energy use. The Republican platform also supports the enforcement of open housing laws, voucher programs, urban homesteading, lower interest rates, and a simplified tax system that encourages home ownership.

Helping Businesses
Not surprisingly, both platforms express their parties' support for small businesses and included proposals to reduce health care costs for business owners. The Republican platform includes a tax reduction and tax simplification agenda with reduced regulation and legal reform. The Democrats propose to "exempt all start-up companies from capital gains taxes and provide them a tax credit for health insurance." The platform also calls for the removal of bureaucratic barriers for small and start-up businesses.

According to Paul Mendelsohn, vice president of Government and Community Relations, the two parties' inclusion of green building and infrastructure planks in their platforms shows that improving the built environment is a bipartisan goal, as is helping small businesses like small design firms and sole practitioners. "What this shows is that, while the policy details may be different, architects have a great opportunity under either a McCain or an Obama administration to advocate for their practices and communities."


AIA Gets Involved in Political Party Conventions

AIA members and guests listen to Stephen Loos, AIA, Board director of the Western Mountain region, greet guests at the AIA's Walk the Walk Reception in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

For the first time in its history, the AIA has become actively involved in the political conventions and the presidential and congressional elections. DesignVote, an initiative to engage architects in the political process, has been working to educate the Institute's members on issues pertinent in this election and give them access to resources to get involved in the campaigns.

AIA members attended both the Democratic (August 25-28) and Republican (September 1-4) party conventions. In Denver, the AIA hosted a reception honoring the AIA's successes on sustainability on Capitol Hill with a "Walk the Walk" reception hosted by the firm RNL. Over 70 AIA members attended, as well as several staffers for members of Congress. In Minneapolis/St. Paul, the AIA was able to procure passes to the convention, and several local members attended.

In both cases, AIA members contributed to the Angle blog, the government advocacy blog. During this period, readership in the Angle blog spiked and hundreds of AIA members have visited the page. Kin DuBois, FAIA; Josh Gould, AIA; and Chris Green, AIA contributed during the Democratic convention, and Nick Ruehl, AIA and David Little, Assoc. AIA, shared their thoughts from the Twin Cities. "We are grateful to our guest bloggers for sharing their experiences. The response from our membership has been great and, in order to continue in this spirit throughout the election, we plan on continuing to use the blog as a venue to let our members share their thoughts and opinions on the candidates and campaigns, as well as offer our members resources to help them get involved and make the most informed decisions come November," said Hannah Wesolowski, manager of Political Programs.

In addition to the blog, the DesignVote team is working on a "get out the vote" campaign with information on how, when, and where AIA members can register to vote. It will begin in earnest later this month and continue with absentee voting information and links to polling locations.

For more information on any election or campaign related information, contact the DesignVote team.


AIA Uses "Man on the Street" Video to Reach out to Campaigns

AIA DesignVote08 is using the Internet to send a message to the 2008 candidates for Congress. Recently, the DesignVote team completed a "Man on the Street," interview-style video narrated by DesignVote08 National Chair Mickey Jacob, AIA.

In the video, voters were asked questions about how the country can save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Jacob is now asking all of the candidates for the presidency and Congress to watch the video and to join the AIA in its "Walk the Walk" campaign to reach the 2030 reduction targets.

"We want this video to be widely viewed, as it shows what voters across the country believe and ,when educated on the issues, what their true feelings on energy are," said Jacob. The voters interviewed were asked what the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions are: cars or automobiles. They were shocked to learn that buildings account for nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions. "It's time that candidates learn this fact, too," Jacob added.

"This is a great education tool and should be used to increase the visibility of how architects can impact the environment and energy usage. Share it with your friends and family, but most importantly let the candidates in your area know about it, too." Jacob encourages the use of the video to ask candidates to fill out the Congressional Candidate Questionnaire. "The video is a great tool to begin the discussion with candidates on energy policy and other issues that architects are interested in."

For more information, contact the DesignVote08 team.

State and Local Update

Component Spotlight: AIA Florida Wins in the Supreme Court, Grows Grassroots and PAC Programs

The Component Spotlight highlights the important work of the more than 300 components across the country. To highlight your component, contact the Angle and describe your component's recent successes and/or innovative initiatives.

AIA Florida has been actively engaging its members and it is showing! On August 29, AIA Florida and the Florida Architect's Political Action Committee (FAPAC) had a fantastic turnout at the 9th Annual Legislators' Night at Tropicana Field. The following Tuesday, the Florida Supreme Court handed AIA Florida and the Coalition to Protect Florida's Economy a well-deserved victory by voting to remove an amendment from the November ballot that proposed a professional services tax.

At the Annual Legislators' Night (from left): Rick Logan, AIA (FAPAC Chair); Mickey Jacob, AIA (AIA Florida/Caribbean Regional Director); Representative Ron Reagan (R-67); and Enrique Woodroffe, FAIA (AIA Florida/Caribbean Regional) Director.

The Annual Legislators' Night was held on August 29. The event was a great way for AIA members to build relationships with legislators in a casual and fun atmosphere. Six legislators and candidates attended the event, and each received a campaign contribution from FAPAC while enjoying watching the Tampa Bay Rays defeat the Toronto Blue Jays. The evening was hosted by Tampa Bay Trane in their luxury suite and was sponsored by BECK Construction. AIA Florida is planning to continue its success with fundraising with several Breakfast of Champions events across the state hosted by local components.

With its many PAC events and strong grassroots network, AIA Florida is able to rally its members when issues come up in the state legislature or, in this particular circumstance, the Supreme Court. On September 3, the Florida Supreme Court voted unanimously to remove an initiative (Amendment 5) from the November ballot that would have implemented a sales tax on professional services. This is a huge success for architects and other professionals in the state. 

AIA Florida was an integral part of the Coalition to Protect Florida's Economy, which represents a range of groups, including health-care providers, engineers, CPAs, manufacturers, and other small and large business groups. In addition to filing the lawsuit, coalition members testified against the amendment before the 2007 Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which sponsored the measure. During courtroom arguments, justices argued that the 90-word summary of the amendment was misleading to voters, particularly on its implications for school funding. The decision to remove Amendment 5 is now final.

"This is great news and a big political win for AIA Florida and our business coalition," said Mickey Jacob, AIA, AIA Board director for the Florida/Caribbean region. "It was a great team effort. Everyone played a role, from the staff at AIA Florida to our members who used their time to go to Tallahassee and testify to our business partners in the Coalition to Protect Florida's Economy. It was the coalition's efforts that gave us this win, and we are grateful that the Supreme Court recognized the misleading nature of the initiative."


Three Engineers Found Guilty of Unlawfully Practicing Architecture

After a public hearing last month before the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, three engineers were found guilty of unlawfully practicing architecture. The projects in question were all public buildings: a library, a school auditorium, two K-12 school projects, and a jail facility.

The engineers in the case argued that their PE license and experience authorized them to engage in "comprehensive building design" and that the existing law giving architects and engineers the right to serve as the prime design professional permitted them to practice architecture. Both arguments were rejected. The board further ruled that construction documents include not only engineering plans and specifications, but also must include "a distinct set of plans called 'architectural plans and specifications,' which, for non-exempt structures, can only be prepared by an architect, or under the supervision and control of an architect."

The Texas Society of Architects (TSA) has been vigilantly monitoring the situation and advocating that the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners aggressively prosecute engineers crossing the line into the practice of architecture.

Yvonne Castillo, general counsel for the TSA, noted, "Because the board has finally entered cease and desist orders against these engineers, we fully anticipate that the engineers' response next legislative session will involve an eleventh-hour amendment to an otherwise innocuous bill that would expand their scope of practice. For that reason, we have activated a massive grassroots effort to visit with every single Texas legislator (all 181) before the next legislative session begins in January 2009 to advocate against the proposition of expanding engineers' authority to include the preparation of architectural plans and specifications."

The engineers may choose to appeal the decision, in which case it will be reviewed by a District Court. Read the final orders here.


AIA Participates in NCSL Legislative Summit

The AIA State Relations team attended the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Annual Legislative Summit in New Orleans in July. The meeting was attended by over 6,400 state legislators, legislative staff, and government relations professionals.

At the conference, the AIA used its new "Walk the Walk" exhibit booth, which was largely constructed with recycled materials. During the event, AIA staff handed out green "Walk the Walk" bags and pins to attendees and used the opportunity to meet with state legislators about a range of issues important to architects and state components. As a result of this interaction, Puerto Rico Senate President Kenneth McClintock (D), whose father was an architect and who was a key player in the Senate's recent passage of green building legislation, later attended a presentation of the AIA's SDiG Roadshow with AIA staff and AIA Puerto Rico members during the August State Government Network meeting in San Juan.

"We really value our membership and our relationship with NCSL. Conferences like this give us a great opportunity to interact with legislators and to show them how architects are leading the sustainable evolution," said Renee Wadsworth, manager of AIA State Relations. As gold sponsors of NCSL, the AIA has direct access to the governing committees of the organization. Heading into fall, the AIA is working with NCSL staff to introduce a resolution in support of 2030 legislation. The AIA will also be reviewing the contacts made at the conference and connecting state components with legislators interested in the Institute's issues.

For more information, contact the State Relations team.


AIA Illinois Gives Rep. Julie Hamos Legislator of the Year Award

AIA Illinois presents Rep. Hamos with her award (from left): Mike Waldinger, Executive Vice President, AIA Illinois; Rep. Hamos; and Len Koroski, AIA.

The AIA Illinois Board awarded its 2008 Legislator of the Year Award to State Representative Julie Hamos (D-18) on July 11. Earlier this year, Hamos played a key role in ensuring that design professionals are excluded from the worksite injury liability imposed by the Illinois Structural Work Act. An amendment to the Act exempts licensed design professionals from liability unless they are directly involved in worksite safety.

Hamos has also been instrumental in developing the Illinois Energy Code, which adopts the International Energy Conservation Code. The code imposes energy efficiency standards on all commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, in addition to residential high-rises. Specific items covered by the code include building envelopes, heating/ventilating/cooling systems, water heating, lighting, and electrical powering.

Now in her fifth term, Hamos is the chair of the House Mass Transit Committee in addition to sitting on other committees, including the Environment and Energy, Environmental Health, Housing and Urban Development, and Smart Growth and Regional Planning committees.

News Wrap: News from Around the Nation

California Closes 2008 Session, Still No Budget: The California State Legislature ended its 2008 session last weekend after enacting on over 1,000 pieces of legislation. Unfortunately, none of these bills will see further action until a state budget is approved. The budget, which is more than two months overdue, is expected to continue an existing stalemate, perhaps well into 2009. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has vowed not to sign any bill that is sent to his desk before a budget has been approved. Click here to read more.

Anti-Sprawl Bill Approved in California, Still Pending Due to Budget Crisis: California legislators recently approved a bill aimed at curbing suburban sprawl. The measure, which is aimed to reduce driving and maintain vehicle emission levels over the next 20 years, despite population growth, would reallocate funds from road projects to programs that promote livable communities. Transportation funding will also be tied to goals set forth by regional planning boards. The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, but because of the budget crisis, this bill will likely stay in limbo until a budget is approved. Click here to read more.

Connecticut Spends Surplus Heating Homes: Connecticut's state legislature approved two measures that will allocate $75 million of the state's budget surplus to winter heating programs. Fourteen million dollars of the surplus will go to a program that provides emergency energy assistance to low-income working families, the elderly, and the disabled; $4 million will go to heating assistance for median income seniors; and $6.5 million is targeted for local governments to heat schools. This legislation was pushed through because rising fuel prices are threatening the safety of many citizens in Connecticut. However, the initiative also underscores the need for energy-efficient homes, schools, and workplaces. Click here to read more.

Sustainability Focus

Springfield, IL Becomes "Cool City" with Help from Architectural Community

From left: Michael Waldinger, Executive Vice President, AIA Illinois; Paul O'Shea, AIA, Planning & Design Coordinator for the City of Springfield; and Springfield Mayor Timothy J. Davlin.

Springfield, IL has agreed to reduce its carbon emissions by seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Mayor Timothy Davlin (non-partisan) signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement framework. The community's leaders are working with architects to develop a more sustainable city, recognizing green buildings as an integral component of this plan.

Springfield City Planning and Design Coordinator Paul W. O'Shea, AIA, said, "The interest in energy conservation and green building issues has been growing. We began to see results in Springfield a few years ago--only slightly behind the movement throughout the country--helped considerably by the programs of the AIA. The local AIA Springfield architects have been very active and exposed to the issues."

A year ago, the city saw the completion of the first commercial LEED® Gold registered green building, the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (designed by Melotte, Morse, Leonatti Ltd, AIA). The first commercial green roof in the city, consisting of three levels, was installed in recent weeks at a University of Illinois at Springfield residence hall (designed by Loebl, Schlossman, Hackl Architects). And, a groundbreaking was just held for a new 15,000-square-foot, LEED Platinum pavilion by The Walton Group, AIA, for the Springfield Park District's new, fully-accessible 80-acre Southwind Park.

Last year, Catherine O'Connor, manager of Local Government Services at the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, in conjunction with the local Sierra Club, Sustainable Springfield Inc., and other environmental support groups, contacted O'Shea and Mayor Davlin with a package of materials describing the Cool Cities program. "As planning and design coordinator for the city and an AIA member, I was aware of the need to investigate the value of this program. Fortunately, Mayor Davlin has been a major proponent of green programs for Springfield. He worked with members of his administration to evaluate the program and after sufficient study of the program, agreed to make Springfield a 'cool city'," O'Shea said.


Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties Making News

Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties was released in conjunction with the National Association of Counties (NACo) at the NACo Annual Conference in July. This report focuses on green building in the nation's 200 most populous counties, providing an overall analysis of policy, best practices, and recommendations.

Since its release, there has been strong media coverage of the report. On August 22, the Washington Times discussed the report in a special feature on green living.

The report series analyzes the development of green building programs at the local level and is meant to be a tool that can assist local officials in developing their own robust sustainability policies. In the last year, the Local Leaders series has focused on green building programs in cities, green incentives, and green county programs. The reports have been featured in MSN Money, the Los Angeles Times, National Geographic Traveler, and other news outlets.

On July 13, the Sacramento Bee also discussed the Green Counties report: "Since 2003 the number of the nation's 200 most populous counties with green building programs has gone from eight to 39, according to a new report by the American Institute of Architects...The public sector has had a ripple effect that is leading to more and more (green) private commercial buildings, said Scott Frank, spokesman for the architects institute. Tax breaks for green buildings also can increase demand."

Broad media coverage, from major newspapers to community papers and local government newsletters, has helped to reinforce the AIA's sustainability message and the architect's role in working with communities to meet these goals. "This coverage is invaluable, as it reinforces the AIA's message as the credible voice on sustainability, while heightening public awareness on green building," said Brooks Rainwater, director of Local Relations.

Archive
August 21, 2008 August 4, 2008 - Special Edition July 3, 2008 June 19, 2008 June 5, 2008 May 22, 2008 May 8, 2008 April 24, 2008 April 10, 2008 March 27, 2008		March 13, 2008 February 28, 2008 February 14, 2008 January 31, 2008 January 17, 2008 January 14, 2008 January 3, 2008 December 19, 2007 - Special Edition December 13, 2007 November 29, 2007