HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024 AIA|LA ADVOCACY INITIATIVES

In 2024, AIA Los Angeles spearheaded impactful advocacy efforts, focusing on key issues shaping the future of our city.

Housing & Equity:

• Championed Adaptive Reuse: Advocated for policies streamlining adaptive reuse, particularly for smaller projects, and actively participated in the Hollywood Community Plan discussions.
• Supported Affordable Housing: Championed AB 1657, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2024, and advocated for streamlined permitting processes for affordable housing development.
• Engaged City Leaders: Hosted regular breakfast receptions with key city officials, fostering dialogue and advocating for policies that promote housing affordability, access to shelter, and equitable development.

Sustainability & Climate Action:

• Led Embodied Carbon Reduction: Played a crucial role in California’s groundbreaking legislation to reduce embodied carbon in buildings.
• Advocated for Low Impact Development: Supported revisions to the Low Impact Development Ordinance while emphasizing the need for practicality and avoiding unnecessary burdens on smaller projects.

Policy & Partnerships:

• Developed a Comprehensive Advocacy Platform: Engaged members through an open call for issue briefs and presented a unified platform to city leaders during Legislative Day.
• Strengthened City Relationships: Continued valuable collaborations with LADWP, LADBS, and LACP through regular meetings and design review sessions.

Key Outcomes:

• Increased Visibility: Elevated the voice of architects and designers in city planning and policy discussions.
• Influenced Policy Decisions: Contributed to the development of key legislation and regulations that promote sustainable and equitable development.
• Empowered Members: Provided opportunities for members to engage in advocacy and contribute to shaping the future of Los Angeles.

Moving Forward:

Building on these successes, AIA|LA will continue to advocate for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Los Angeles through ongoing collaboration with city officials, community engagement, and member empowerment.

This summary is concise and highlights the key achievements of AIA|LA’s advocacy efforts in 2024.

HOW TO GET MORE INVOLVED: Shaping a Better Los Angeles in 2025

Building on Success: A Call to Action

The AIA|LA’s 2024 advocacy efforts achieved significant progress on critical issues facing Los Angeles. In 2025, we aim to build on this momentum and partner with city leaders to create a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant city.

Key Priorities:

• Climate Action (CA): Reduce embodied carbon in buildings, promote net-zero development, and prioritize climate-resilient design solutions that benefit all communities.
• Housing & Density (HD): Encourage adaptive reuse, streamline approvals for innovative housing types, and achieve responsible density increases while preserving neighborhood character.
• Equity & Access (EA): Increase affordable housing options, ensure meaningful community engagement in planning, and promote universal design principles.
• Better Business (BB): Advocate for fair procurement practices, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand business support resources for architects and designers.

Tasks and Asks for 2025:

We invite city leaders to partner with AIA|LA on specific initiatives:

• Street Tree Spacing Reform (CA, EA): Increase tree canopy coverage for environmental and community benefits.
• Stormwater Mitigation Alternatives (CA, EA): Develop flexible solutions for managing stormwater runoff.
• Adaptive Reuse 2.0 Ordinance (CA, HD): Enhance policies to streamline and incentivize adaptive reuse projects.
• Accessibility Reform Package (EA, HD, BB): Address accessibility challenges in plan checks, inspections, and permitting processes.
• Public Project Procurement Reform (EA, HD, BB):
• Single Stair Code Reform (EA, HD, BB):
• Modifications Data Base (EA, HD, BB):
• Departmental Personnel Access Reform (BB):
• Self-Certification for Tenant Improvements (BB):

Collaboration is Key:

AIA|LA seeks a “champion” from each Council Office to collaborate on these initiatives. Together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for Los Angeles.

Get Involved:

For more details and resources, visit the AIA|LA GO! Miro Board: CLICK HERE

Join us in shaping a better Los Angeles!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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