AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
November 12, 2024

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


AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ben Allen - Ben Allen - California State Senator, District #24


AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ben Allen – California State Senator, District #24

On Thursday, November 7th AIA|LA met with Ben Allen – California State Senator, District #24.

He shared a list of his top legislative priorities and shared insight into how AIA|LA can strengthen its political advocacy, especially in light of the outcome of the November 5th election.

TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDED:
  1. AIA California’s Housing Steering Committee Offers an Overview of Key Issues Affecting Housing Delivery in California (SEE ATTACHED)
  2. SB 867 – Climate Bond and CA Prop 4:  How to best integrate design-thinking into project criteria?
  3. Adaptive Reuse:  HCD, AB 529 Working Group, AB 2910 (Santiago), and City of LA Alternative Building Standards (Ch. 85)
  4. Affordable Housing:  SB 469 & CA Prop 5:  Synthesizing all of the design guidelines from public agency funding sources
IDEAS CONSIDERED INCLUDED:

1. SB 867 – Climate Bond and CA Prop 4: Integrating Design-Thinking into Project Criteria

  • How do you envision design thinking playing a role in the implementation of Prop 4 to ensure projects are both sustainable and aligned with community needs?
  • What mechanisms could be introduced to prioritize design quality and environmental resilience in projects funded by the Climate Bond?

2. Adaptive Reuse and AB 529 Working Group

  • The adaptive reuse of existing buildings can offer a sustainable path to increased housing. What specific regulatory changes do you see as necessary to accelerate adaptive reuse projects as we leverage the insight of the AB 529 working group?
  • How would you like to direct/ inspire the AB 529 Working Group plan to address current barriers to adaptive reuse, and what role can architects play in helping shape effective guidelines?

3. City of Los Angeles Alternative Building Standards (Chapter 85)

  • The City of Los Angeles has introduced alternative building standards under Chapter 85. How can these standards serve as a model for other cities, and what challenges do you foresee in expanding them statewide?
  • What types of input and innovation from the architecture community would be most valuable to ensure these standards meet affordability and sustainability goals?

4. Affordable Housing – Synthesizing Design Guidelines from Public Funding Sources

  • Architects face a challenge in balancing often disparate design guidelines from different public funding sources. What steps can the state take to streamline or harmonize these guidelines to ensure more efficient and cohesive affordable housing projects?
  • With SB 469 and Prop 5 in mind, how can policymakers and architects work together to simplify the compliance process for affordable housing projects while maintaining design integrity?

5. AB 2910 (Santiago) – Alternative Building Standards for Affordable Housing

  • AB 2910 seeks to implement alternative standards for affordable housing projects. What do you see as the most effective alternative standards, and how might these encourage more innovative, lower-cost design solutions?
  • In what ways can AB 2910 support high-quality design and livability without driving up project costs or creating additional barriers for developers?

6. Green and Resilient Building Standards

  • In light of California’s climate goals, how do you see green building standards evolving over the next decade? Are there specific sustainability benchmarks that will likely be prioritized in housing legislation?
  • What role do you think architects and urban planners can play in advocating for or shaping these green standards at the legislative level?

7. Challenges with State Funding and Design Quality in Housing

  • Funding for housing often comes with stringent guidelines that sometimes limit design flexibility. How might California adjust its funding criteria to better account for both affordability and architectural quality?
  • Are there any legislative efforts underway to ensure that public housing funds do not inadvertently discourage innovative or contextually appropriate design?

8. Impact of SB 469 on Affordable Housing and Architectural Innovation

  • SB 469 aims to support affordable housing, but how can we ensure it also promotes architectural innovation and sustainability? What types of oversight or incentives might help achieve these dual goals?
  • Could SB 469 set a precedent for other states in combining affordable housing mandates with design standards that support long-term urban resilience?

9. Architects’ Role in Policy Development and Community Engagement

  • Architects often have firsthand knowledge of both community needs and the feasibility of design projects. How can the state better leverage this expertise in developing housing policies?
  • Would you support a formal advisory role for architects in the legislative process for housing and infrastructure projects? If so, what might that look like?

10. Streamlining Housing Delivery through Regulatory Reform

  • Architects and developers frequently cite regulatory complexity as a significant barrier to efficient housing delivery. What steps is the legislature taking to address these challenges and reduce unnecessary red tape?
  • Are there opportunities for a more centralized approach to housing standards to create consistency and reduce project delays?

11. Promoting Adaptive Reuse in Housing Projects Statewide

  • Adaptive reuse can significantly expand housing stock in urban areas. How can the state support more cities in adopting adaptive reuse policies and ensuring they align with both local and statewide housing goals?
  • What can be done to incentivize adaptive reuse for affordable housing, especially in communities with limited resources?

12. Design Thinking as a Strategic Tool for Meeting California’s Housing Needs

  • How can California better incorporate design-thinking principles into housing policy to enhance livability, sustainability, and community identity?
  • Could design thinking be integrated into the early stages of policy development to ensure housing solutions are adaptable to different communities across California?

 

 

 

AIA|LA CITY LEADERS BREAKFAST SERIES Presented by Gannett Fleming

We have two more AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Receptions for 2024. Please join us and share your input with decision-makers!

November 15 = (9am – 10:30am)
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Elizabeth (Libby) Boyce, L.C.S.W. – Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative & Leepi Shimkhada – Deputy Director, Housing for Health, Department of Health Services (DHS), County of Los Angeles
November 22 = (8:00am – 9:30am) 
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Sydney Kamlager-Dove – U.S. Congressional Representative, 37th District

AIA|LA LEGISLATIVE DAY AT CITY HALL

Save the Date = Friday, December 6, 2024 (8am – 4pm)

Calling all Architects & Designers!
Make your voice heard and be a part of shaping Los Angeles’ future. AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall is your chance to connect directly with civic leaders and advocate for the issues that matter most to our profession.
Why Participate?
  • Elevate Design Leadership: Be part of a movement ensuring architects and designers have a seat at the decision-making table.
  • Shape Policy, Impact Communities: Your expertise is crucial for planning, land use, zoning, and building codes.
  • Build a Better LA: Advocate for housing equity, complete communities, and sustainable development.
  • Network & Make a Difference: Connect with fellow professionals and make a real impact on the built environment.
Limited Spots Available: In-person & Virtual Options!
This year’s AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall takes place on Friday, December 6th in person at LA City Hall.
Don’t miss this opportunity! RSVP Today!
Contact Will Wright at Will[@]aialosangeles.org to secure your spot and learn more about this exciting event.
Together, let’s build a thriving Los Angeles for everyone!

 

 

 

 


ADVOCACY UPDATE FROM AIA CALIFORNIA

Housing Delivery Streamlining

AIA California’s Housing Steering Committee Offers an Overview of Key Issues Affecting Housing Delivery in California.

1. Condominium Liability and Permitting Reform
2. Commercial to Housing Adaptive Reuse Policy and Code Support
3. Adjustment of the Height Limit for Residential Prevailing Wage
4. Expanding the Scope of Projects That Can Use the California Residential Code (CRC)
5. State-level Code Appeals Process Refinement

To read the full set of recommendations, PLEASE CLICK HERE.


AIA|LA & LACP DESIGN REVIEW SESSIONS

In 2024, we will coordinate 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:

Nov 12, 2024 (10:00 AM)

Nov 19, 2024 (10:00 AM)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

Reach out and get more involved!

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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