AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
October 8, 2024

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


Scenes from the AIA|LA POWERFUL XI Conference: October 4, 2024
Annette Wu, AIA
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA & Lalida Nakatani, AIA

Annette Wu, AIA, Pooja Bhagat, AIA, & Leslie Sydnor, AIA
Nicole Canon, AIA & Leslie Young, Assoc. AIA
Lunchtime at Powerful XI

Karin Liljegren, FAIA
Karin Liljegren, FAIA
Stephanie Reich, AIA, Barbara Bouza, FAIA, & Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA

AIA|LA Endorses Measure A: Investing in a More Equitable Los Angeles

The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter (AIA|LA) urges the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to join us in supporting Measure A on the upcoming November 5th ballot. This critical measure represents a significant step forward in tackling homelessness and creating a more affordable housing landscape in Los Angeles County.

Key Points:

  1. Measure A Increases Funding for Affordable Housing: It guarantees a minimum of $3 billion over 10 years for housing production and preservation.
  2. Measure A Provides Rent Support: It allocates a minimum of $1.3 billion over 10 years for programs like emergency rental assistance and legal counsel.
  3. Measure A Strengthens LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA): This ensures long-term, reliable funding to drive housing production, preservation, and protection.
  4. Measure A Creates High-Quality Union Jobs: At least $2 billion over 10 years will be directed towards new housing construction with high-quality union jobs.
  5. Measure A Prioritizes Long-Term Stability: Funding continues until revoked by voters, with the ability to shift service funding towards housing in the future.
  6. Measure A Promotes Wage Equity: It codifies a commitment to fair wages for non-profit employees involved in housing initiatives.
  7. Measure A Supports Public Employees: The measure establishes protections for public employees working on these critical housing programs.
  8. Measure A Funds Proven Homeless Services: It stabilizes the existing homeless services system with guaranteed long-term funding.
  9. Measure A Replaces Existing Tax: The existing 1/4 cent sales tax for homeless services (Measure H) will be replaced with a 1/2 cent sales tax for both housing and services.
  10. Measure A is a Comprehensive Solution: It combines funding for addressing homelessness with investments in creating and preserving affordable housing for future generations.

By supporting Measure A, we can create a more equitable Los Angeles where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. We urge the AEC community to join us in voting YES on Measure A on November 5th.

CLICK HERE to read the complete details of the proposed ordinance

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS, AND PREVENTION NOW TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX ORDINANCE

ADAPTIVE REUSE

On Thursday, October 10th, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission will discuss the draft Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (CPC-2023-5986-CA).

AIA Los Angeles recommends expanding the rooftop additions incentive in the draft Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (ARO) for Los Angeles. The current limitation of one-story rooftop additions solely for amenity use is restrictive and can lead to an oversupply of luxury units with excessive amenities. By allowing for multi-story rooftop additions and considering the conversion of existing core spaces into amenities, the ARO can provide greater flexibility for developers and support the creation of a more diverse range of housing types.

Additionally, the ARO should prioritize housing production over amenity spaces and develop guidelines for the design and construction of rooftop additions to ensure their safety, sustainability, and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. By implementing these recommendations, the City of Los Angeles can create a more flexible and effective ARO that promotes adaptive reuse, addresses the housing crisis, and revitalizes business districts.

  1. Allow for multi-story rooftop additions: This will provide greater flexibility for developers and potentially reduce the need for additional construction on the ground level.
  2. Consider converting existing core spaces into amenities: This can help to reduce the overall cost of development and provide a more diverse range of amenities.
  3. Prioritize housing production over amenity spaces: Ensure that the ARO supports the creation of affordable and accessible housing, rather than focusing solely on luxury amenities.
  4. Develop guidelines for the design and construction of rooftop additions: This will help to ensure that these additions are safe, sustainable, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
  5. Consider the potential impact of rooftop additions on existing infrastructure: Ensure that the ARO includes provisions for addressing any additional load or strain on infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and electrical systems.

In addition to these ideas, we’d like to share a much more detailed and comprehensive set of recommendations, which have been authored by Roberto Vazquez, AIA – Associate Principal, AXIS Architecture + Design

CLICK HERE to read Roberto’s letter.

 

BUILD LA Development Services Portal

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

The recent virtual walk-through of the Build LA Customer Portal Soft Launch with Ted Allen, P.E. and the Bureau of Engineering team provided valuable insights into the progress of this long-awaited initiative. As an outgrowth of the ’12 to 2′ initiative (in my opinion), Build LA aims to (eventually, let’s hope) consolidate all development services into a single, user-friendly portal, similar to EPIC-LA for the County of LA.

While the soft launch marks a significant milestone, there is still much work to be done to ensure the portal’s effectiveness. To facilitate its success, we recommend the following:

  • Prioritize a template set of typical permits: As suggested by Mark Oberholzer, AIA, creating a template set of permits for common project types (such as multifamily residential, adaptive reuse, tenant improvements, and single-family homes) will empower users with greater awareness of the required documentation and streamline the application process.
  • Enhance portal functionality and user experience: Continuously gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement and ensure the portal is intuitive and efficient to navigate.
  • Implement a robust feedback mechanism: Encourage users to provide feedback on the system’s functionality, personnel interactions, and suggestions for improvements.
  • Ensure effective management oversight: Establish a system for monitoring the progress of applications and addressing any roadblocks or delays.
  • Seek additional funding and resources: Advocate for increased funding and resources to support the full development and implementation of Build LA.

By addressing these recommendations, we can help Build LA become a valuable tool for developers and city staff alike, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the development process in Los Angeles.

Additional Notes:

  • The Build LA portal has been in development for over a decade, and its successful implementation will require ongoing commitment and support from all stakeholders.
  • We look forward to continuing to provide feedback and recommendations as the portal evolves.
  • We encourage the City Council to prioritize funding for Build LA to ensure its long-term success.
Quarterly Leadership Meeting w/ LADBS (Osama Younan, P.E.)
    • Tuesday, October 15 (12pm) – *Virtual On Zoom
    • RSVP HERE.

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/  Peggy M. Quijada de Franke – Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability, Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)

Thursday, October 24 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.

Housing for Health: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Homelessness in Los Angeles

Thursday, October 24 (11:30am – 1:o0pm) = RSVP HERE.

Featured Speakers: Leepi Shimkhada and Elizabeth (Libby) Boyce, Housing for Health, Department of Health Services (DHS), County of Los Angeles

Overview: This lunchtime roundtable discussion will delve into the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts implemented by Housing for Health (HFH) to address homelessness in Los Angeles County. Leepi Shimkhada and Libby Boyce, both key leaders within HFH, will share their expertise and insights on the program’s successful initiatives.

Objectives:

+ Highlight the importance of a health-centered approach to addressing homelessness.
+ Discuss the role of collaborative partnerships in driving effective solutions.
+ Explore the innovative programs and services offered by HFH.
+ Examine the impact of HFH’s initiatives on improving health outcomes and reducing homelessness.
+ Foster discussion and collaboration among attendees to address the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the region.

This roundtable discussion will provide valuable insights into the complexities of homelessness and the promising work being done to address this critical issue in Los Angeles.

 

 


UPDATES FROM AIA CALIFORNIA

 

// AIA California, Working for You

FROM:  Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA, LEED Green Assoc. – Executive Vice President, The American Institute of Architects California

Greetings from the AIA California Office,

AIA California recently hosted the Healthcare Facilities Forum where smart people gathered to talk about the impact of technology on the built environment (among other things), and experts briefed individuals and firms on economic data they might not have access to.  You may not be involved in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities and wonder why the results of this conference may apply to you, but that’s far from the truth when you consider by 2040:

  • Minorities will become the majority in the U.S. by 2045
  • There will be more old people than children for the first time
  • Majority of the U.S. population (87%) will live in urban areas
  • Global average sea levels will be up to 10” higher than today
  • Technology and human behavior will be even more intertwined
  • An American child born in the U.S. will be expected to live to 93 years old

And shockingly, the United States is 5x as expensive as other countries to achieve an 86th ranking in patient outcomes worldwide.

Deb Sheehan, DPR’s Healthcare Core Market Strategy Leader provided insight about market shifts, impacts of a changing workforce and influence of digital adoption. We know everyone involved in design and construction industry are facing the lingering impact of economic uncertainty, escalating operating costs and changing dynamics of the workforce. Deb also shared how in this age of disruption, it will drive four fundamental changes in industry economics.

  • Business model transformation. Digitization empowers firms to be more responsive over every facet of how they go to market; their service value propositions, target customers and price points.
  • Digital agility. Firms that can anticipate change, react faster than competitors, and adapt the strategies and processes in light of disruptive events are able to stay ahead of the curve.
  • Intelligent automation. People have traditionally provided expertise, the primary offering of the architectural profession; AI will dramatically change professional services.
  • Talent empowerment. Reimaging the employee experience to offer the right value proposition will be imperative for firms in the digital world.

According to Charles Darwin – “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, it is the ones most responsive to change.” Hosting experts who offer this type of real research and identification of challenges facing clients and the impact of architects on a rapidly changing world is just one more way AIA California is working for you.

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Housing Streamlining for California Workshop
Date: October 17, 2024
Time: 10-11am PT
Register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcuCvqD4vGdAHZgQiLDVt3xAyArK11p…

We look forward to connecting with those who are interested in tackling these critical issues, and how architects and design professionals can work towards overcoming housing barriers in California.

 

Office to Housing Adaptive Reuse Survey.

The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is designed for adaptive reuse projects, but the challenges are complex and diverse. In June 2024, the International Code Council formed an Adaptive Reuse Working Group to consider how the IEBC might better support office-to-residential conversions.

This survey has been designed to provide input to adaptive reuse efforts from design professionals and other subject matter experts.

We’d greatly appreciate your support in taking 15 minutes to complete the survey, and sharing with others in your network!

Office to Housing Adaptive Reuse Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HVSHSHW

AIA CA Advocacy Survey: Your Voice, Your Advocacy, Our Success

Advocacy is central to shaping the future of architecture and ensuring the profession’s needs and values are heard.

The American Institute of Architects California has a track record of advocacy victories, including successes in protecting architectural copyrights, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, promoting climate action in the built environment, fostering more livable communities, and developing policies that address California’s housing crisis. Read more about these victories here.

By participating in the annual AIA CA Advocacy Survey, members contribute directly to these efforts, ensuring the voice of the profession remains strong. Your insights can inspire the next major success.

We want to hear from you. Become an advocate—your ideas can make a difference! We’d appreciate your feedback by Monday, October 7, 2024. Please also share with other AIA members in your networks. Your participation makes it possible for AIA CA to advance an advocacy agenda that benefits architects and our communities.

Link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHX9RQD


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:

Oct 1, 2024 (10:00 AM)
Oct 8, 2024 (10:00 AM)
Oct 15, 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