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

ARCHITECTS IN ACTION:

For 2024, I’ll be reaching out to AIA members to celebrate their civic engagement.   We’re delighted to share the first two in this series:

Architects in Action: Advocacy & Impact at AIA|LA Legislative Day(s) at City Hall
A Personal Perspective from Darnell Parker II, Assoc. AIA – President & Founder, Global Youth Camp AEP, Inc.

If you’re involved in advocacy, actively serving on the board of directors of a community-based organization, neighborhood council, HPOZ, and/or other forms of civic leadership, please reach out to me at will@aialosangeles.org and I’d love to include you in our series of interviews to celebrate your leadership and involvement.

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

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