Promoting Livable Communities Through Political Action
AIA Washington Council’s Architects Political Action Committee (APAC)
is AIA’s political outreach arm that supports candidates and legislators
on the state level who support our legislative and policy goals.
The theme for APAC is “Promoting Livable Communities
Through Political Action.”
Much of what architects do in their professional work promotes
livable communities: community planning, quality design, social context
of their work, etc. APAC believes it is important to carry this professional
ethic on to our political activities.
Legislative Successes
Livable communities are central to the AIA’s core
legislative agenda such as promoting. This year we made had great success
in reaching our goals. AIA/WA passed new law requiring state funded buildings
be designed to higher environmental and energy standards, adoption of
the ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standards as our state’s accessibility
law, new tax incentives to promote historic preservation and restoration,
new tax incentives to promote the development and use of renewable energy
sources.
Our future goals include adoption of the International
Energy Conservation Code, a update of the state’s architecture licensing
law, adoption of the International Existing Buildings Code, and greater
business opportunities for architects and their firms.
To be successful in achieving our legislative goals and
in promoting livable communities, we must have the right legislators elected
to office. APAC allows architects to influence the elections of legislators
who support our agenda.
Who can give to APAC?
In Washington State, any individual or business can give
to a political action committee, the purpose of which is to influence
state or local elections. That means that the architecture firm may donate
to APAC as well as individual architects. There is no limit on how much
one may give to a state PAC.
Who Does APAC Support?
APAC supports candidates running for state offices in Washington
State (e.g. state legislature, governor, attorney general, etc.). We carefully
screen candidates to support those who can best advance our agenda of
promoting livable communities. APAC does not support candidates for federal
office (e.g. US Congress).
How do I give?
See the “APAC
Pledge Form” on this page. You can use this form for a one-time
donation or to pledge support over the coming months of the election.
Many supporters will establish a monthly pledge amount to spread their
support throughout the election cycle. APAC accepts personal checks, corporate
checks and credit cards.
For more information, contact the AIA Washington Council
at wacouncil@aiawa.org.
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