From the desk of Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director of Government & Public Affairs

Tired of deciphering cryptic code updates and navigating bureaucratic labyrinths? It’s time to take the reins! Register now for our exclusive quarterly meetings with the General Manager of Los Angeles Building and Safety and be the architect of your own informed future.

Join us to have:

+ Direct access to LADBS leadership: Get your questions answered straight from the source. Answers in real time!
+ The inside scoop on building codes and initiatives: Stay ahead of the curve with firsthand insights on new regulations and emerging trends.
+ An opportunity to shape the future of LA’s built environment: Be part of the conversation, advocate for architect-friendly policies, and influence the city’s skyline.
+ To network and build your community: Connect with like-minded professionals, share best practices, and foster meaningful collaborations.

This is your chance to:

+ Elevate your practice: Gain a competitive edge with unparalleled knowledge and insider connections.
+ Build smarter, not harder: Navigate the permitting process with confidence, saving time and resources.
+  Leave your mark on LA: Make a lasting contribution to the city’s architectural legacy.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage, empower, and shape the future of LA’s built environment. Register today!

These will be virtual meetings on zoom.  Click the dates below to register for each session.

1. RSVP HERE = Monday, February 26 (12pm – 1pm)
2. RSVP HERE = Monday, May 20 (12pm – 1pm)
3. Monday, September 23 (11am – 12pm)
4. Monday, December 9 (12pm – 1pm)

Let’s build a brighter future together.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AT LA CITY HALL:

+ Brenda Shockley, Deputy Mayor of Economic Opportunity = Wednesday, February 7 (11am) // in-person at LA City Hall

+ Rachel Freeman, Deputy Mayor for Business and Economic Development & Jenna Hornstock, Deputy Mayor of Housing = Wednesday, February 7 (1:00pm) // in-person at LA City Hall

RSVP at will@aialosangeles.org for more details about each meeting.

SO YOU WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED?

2024 is going to be a year of transformation.  As we begin to hear from the AIA|LA membership, the AIA|LA Government Outreach Committee will soon begin shaping the 2024 Advocacy Platform.  Your input and perspective are essential to helping us shape that platform in such a way that it reflects the priorities and commitments of LA-area architects & designers.

What challenges are you facing?  What solutions or insights can you share?

So far, this is what we’ve heard =

Climate Change and Sustainability:

+ Embodied Carbon: Advocating for policies and incentives to reduce embodied carbon in building materials and construction practices.
+ Resilience: Design buildings and infrastructure to withstand climate impacts like extreme weather events & push for regulations and design strategies to make buildings and infrastructure more resilient
+ Renewable Energy Integration: Promoting policies that facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into new and existing buildings.

Housing Affordability:

+ Affordability: Address the growing housing affordability crisis in Los Angeles through innovative policies and design solutions.
+ Zoning reform: Advocate for zoning changes that promote diverse housing options and density in appropriate areas.
+ Homelessness: Support initiatives to address homelessness and provide affordable housing options for vulnerable populations.

Zoning Reform:

+ Advocating for zoning changes that create more diverse and affordable housing options, particularly near transit and amenities.
+ Rent Control and Tenant Protections: Supporting policies that stabilize rents and protect tenants from displacement.
+ Community Land Trusts: Promoting the use of community land trusts to ensure long-term affordability of housing and prevent displacement.

Equity and Inclusivity:

+ Universal Design: Advocating for design standards and policies that make buildings and public spaces accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
+ Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI): Promoting JEDI principles within the architecture and planning professions, and advocating for equitable access to safe and healthy housing and public spaces.
+ Community Engagement: Ensuring diverse community voices are heard in planning and development processes.

Historic Preservation & Neighborhood Revitalization:

+ Advocating for effective Adaptive Reuse policies, programs, and regulations and the protection and rehabilitation of historic buildings and cultural resources.

Urban Design and Public Space:

+ Complete streets: Create streets that are safe and functional for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders.
+ Parks and open space: Support the creation and preservation of parks and open space in underserved communities & push for the creation and preservation of publicly accessible open space in new and existing developments.
+ Urban mobility: Advocate for innovative and sustainable transportation solutions that reduce car dependence and improve air quality, including public transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure.

Emerging Trends:

+ Circular economy: Explore ways to reduce waste and promote resource reuse in the construction industry.
+ Technology and innovation: Advocate for the responsible use of technology in architecture and urban planning.
+ Health and wellbeing: Design buildings and communities that promote health and wellbeing for residents.

However, this is just the beginning.  We need to hear from you!  Please share your ideas for what priorities AIA|LA should focus on for our 2024 advocacy efforts.  We welcome your thoughts, leadership, and participation.

Contact me at will@aialosangeles.org with your ideas — and with your recommendations on how to implement the systemic changes that will be required to sustain these transformations.

LACP Design Review Sessions

In 2024, we will be coordinating thirty-six virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout the City.

Upcoming sessions include:

Tuesday, February 6 (10am – 12pm)
Tuesday, February 13 (10am – 12pm)
Tuesday, February 20 (10am – 12pm)
Tuesday, March 5 (10am – 12pm)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org

> +