Shaping Communities Starts at Home
Architects have the power to drive change where it matters most—right in their own communities. By engaging with state and local leaders, architects help shape policies that impact the business of architecture, the built environment, sustainability, infrastructure, and housing. Having a voice in these decisions ensures that design remains at the forefront of civic progress.
State & Local Policy Priorities
AIA’s State & Local Affairs team partners with components nationwide to strengthen advocacy efforts at every level of government. By engaging with governors, legislatures, mayors, and local agencies, we help shape policies that impact architects and the built environment. Strong advocacy at the state and local level ensures that architecture remains a driving force in policy decisions that shape our communities.
AIA’s state and local advocacy priorities evolve based on legislative trends, member feedback, and coordination with components. Our work addresses urgent policy issues, supports proactive initiatives, and ensures that architects have a voice in shaping regulations affecting the profession.
AIA's Policy Platform is the basis of our advocacy work.
Key Policy Areas
AIA advocates for policies that drive climate action and sustainability at the state and local levels. With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, architects are leading efforts to implement energy-efficient codes, resilient design, and carbon reduction strategies. State and local policies influence everything from building performance standards to tax incentives for sustainable development. AIA works with components to advance policies that promote a healthier, more resilient built environment.
Our focus includes:
- Strengthening energy codes and advocating for their adoption
- Supporting climate resilience strategies for communities
- Advocating for funding mechanisms that incentivize sustainable development
State and local policies significantly impact architecture firms, from licensing regulations to tax policies that shape business viability. AIA works to ensure that laws support design professionals, small businesses, and economic growth in the built environment.
Key areas of advocacy:
- Protecting professional licensure to maintain high standards in architecture
- Advocating for fair procurement practices that support design excellence
- Ensuring tax policies encourage growth for architecture firms and small businesses
- Addressing workforce development and the talent pipeline for the profession
Investments in infrastructure and public projects create opportunities for architects to shape the future of our communities. AIA advocates for equitable, well-funded infrastructure policies that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and community impact.
Priorities include:
- Expanding funding for public buildings, schools, and transportation projects
- Ensuring infrastructure policies integrate climate adaptation strategies
- Promoting equity-centered design in community development initiatives
- Encouraging investment in adaptive reuse and historic preservation
Housing affordability remains a critical issue in communities nationwide. AIA supports policies that expand access to safe, high-quality housing while promoting sustainable and innovative design solutions.
State and local advocacy efforts focus on:
- Removing restrictive zoning barriers to increase housing supply
- Encouraging incentives for affordable and mixed-income housing developments
- Promoting sustainable, resilient housing policies that address climate concerns
- Supporting funding for programs like HOME and CDBG that impact local housing markets
- Advancing the use of tax credits, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to expand affordable housing options
- Promoting the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) to support preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings for housing and community development
- Advocating for state-level housing tax incentives and financing tools that complement federal programs and respond to local needs
State and local advocacy is strongest when members are engaged. Whether it's attending a town hall, testifying at a hearing, or sending a letter to policymakers, architects play a crucial role in shaping policy. Join us in advocating for policies that strengthen our profession and communities.