AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
February 18, 2025
County of LA Dept. of Public Works REBUILDING TOGETHER Workshop - February 13, 2025

Aaron Leshtz, AIA at the DPW Workshop

AIA|LA on Wildfire Recovery

Following the devastating January 2025 wildfires, AIA Los Angeles recognizes the critical need to support community-driven rebuilding efforts. 

 

Key principles for successful recovery include:

  • Prioritizing community needs and input — Rebuilding efforts must center on the needs and aspirations of affected communities.
  • Embracing sustainable and resilient design — Incorporating best practices for fire-resistant construction, including defensible space, drought-tolerant landscaping, and the use of non-combustible materials.
  • Addressing housing affordability and equity — Explore options like ADUs and alternative housing models to increase housing stock and affordability.
  • Modernizing infrastructure — Advocate for the transition to underground utilities, including all-electric systems, to enhance safety and resilience.
  • Protecting the environment — Recognize the importance of trees in the urban landscape while implementing strategic fuel modification strategies.
  • Advocating for policy changes — Work with city officials to streamline permitting processes and implement policies that support sustainable and equitable rebuilding.

 

Priorities for AIA Los Angeles:

    • Community Engagement
      • Organize workshops and forums to gather community input and facilitate dialogue on rebuilding priorities and concerns.
  • Policy Advocacy
      • Advocate for streamlined permitting processes that support rapid and equitable rebuilding.
      • Advocate for building code updates that incorporate the latest in fire-resistant design and construction.
      • Support policies that incentivize sustainable and resilient building practices.
  • Resource Development
      • Create a central hub of information for homeowners on rebuilding options, including financing, contractors, and available resources.
      • Create a library of design guidelines and best practices for fire-resistant and resilient construction.
  • Volunteer Programs
    • Mobilize AIA|LA members to provide support to affected homeowners and businesses.
    • Offer workshops and educational programs on fire-safe building practices and disaster preparedness.

 

By actively engaging with communities, advocating for policy changes, and providing valuable resources, AIA Los Angeles will support the successful and equitable recovery from these devastating wildfires.


RESOURCES & READING LIST

Wildland Urban Interface(WUI) Wildfire Resilience Homeowner Handbook

Defensible Space

A Collaborative Workshop for the Building Industry:  Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works

Wildfire Recovery Resources:  Our Hearts are with California (RIOS)

Rebuilding Your Home Post-Wildfire (Cooperative LA)

“WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD” Rebuilding after 2017 Firestorms By Julia Donoho, AIA, ESQ, GC

The Palisades and Eaton Fires: Neighborhood Data and Potential Housing Market Effects

Rebuilding after the Los Angeles Fires: What California Can Do to Facilitate Recovery

 

SUPERVISOR HORVATH LAUNCHES BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON CLIMATE ACTION AND FIRE SAFE RECOVERY

Supervisor Horvath Launches Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery

 

WILDFIRE RECOVERY RESOURCES DESIGN & CONSULTING SERVICES

The architects, designers, and consultants listed in our Wildfire Recovery Resources: Design & Consulting Services have voluntarily reached out to our task force to offer their services to homes and businesses affected by wildfires. This list is provided as a public resource to help connect those in need with professionals who may be able to assist in rebuilding and recovery efforts.

LIST OF ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

 


> AIA CA Collective Action for Wildfire Recovery

METRO’s 10,000 Homes:  Building Partnerships

Join METRO for the second event in their 10,000 Homes Commitment series! This gathering on February 20th will bring together key players in Los Angeles’s housing development scene with a goal to foster meaningful connections among Metro Bench Developers, small and minority-owned businesses, Community Land Trusts, and other vital organizations.

This is an opportunity to:

  • Expand your network: Connect with potential collaborators and partners.
  • Gain valuable insights: Learn about innovative approaches to affordable housing development.
  • Contribute to a critical mission: Play a role in achieving 10,000 new homes for Los Angeles.

Space is limited, so RSVP today to secure your spot!

RSVP HERE.

 

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

This year we will be coordinating thirty-one 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 our City.

February 18 (10am)
March 4 (10am)
March 11 (10am)
March 18 (10am)
April 1 (10am)
April 8 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

 

 


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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