Issues & AdvocacyPublic Policy

Policies & Position Statements

The Public Policies and Position Statements that follow have been approved by the AIA Board of Directors and are in effect until rescinded by the Board. Public Policies are AIA statements of belief to policy-makers, the public, and the construction industry on issues of public policy affecting the membership, the profession of architecture, or The American Institute of Architects. Position Statements elaborate on Public Policies or apply them to specific conditions or events. Commentaries are white papers or other analyses that amplify AIA doctrine by presenting rationale and facts to support adherence to a specific Public Policy or Position Statement.

Once approved by the Board of Directors, all AIA Public Policies and Position Statements are binding on AIA components. Specifically, the Institute's Bylaws state "no act" of an AIA component "shall directly or indirectly nullify or contravene any act or policy of the Institute." Under certain circumstances, components may be granted exceptions to the policy conformance requirement. Rules for requesting and granting exceptions to Institute Policies may be obtained from the Office of the General Counsel. Rules governing content, format, review, and adoption of policies and positions are contained in Chapter 9 of the AIA Rules of the Board.

For additional information read the AIA Public Policies and Position Statements here.

Issue Briefs

The Public Policy team focuses on a wide range of municipal policy issues relevant to the design profession. Among these are health, green building, and sustainable design; education and procurement of architectural services; permitting and zoning issues; and other issues important to the architecture profession.

• Healthier Communities

• Green Schools

• Green Affordable Housing

• Green Building Programs

• Smart Growth/Transit-Oriented Development

• Municipal Innovation Zones

• Expedited Permitting

• City Governance

• Architectural Design Review Boards

• Planning and Zoning Commissions

Local Leaders

Local Leaders is a national research project on progressive public policies and initiatives in municipalities across the United States. Since its launch in 2007 this series of publications has served as a resource for cities and counties across the country looking to address challenges and seize opportunities at the intersection of innovation, green building, healthier community design, and economic growth.

• Cities as a Lab

• Healthier Communities Through Design

• Green Building Incentive Trends

• Green Schools

• Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment

• Green Incentives

• Green Counties

• A Study of Green Building Programs in Our Nation's Communities

Local Government Partnerships

• NACo Green Government Initiative

• NLC Corporate Partner Program

• U.S. Conference of Mayors Business Council

Staff

How can our work support your community and initiatives? We are always eager to hear about your challenges and successes. Send us your questions and comments; let us know how we can work together.

Zachary Hart, Director, Policy