AIA Advocacy Update

Vote delayed on White House ballroom proposal
The National Capital Planning Commission delayed its March 5 vote on President Trump's proposed White House ballroom until next month after receiving a flood of critical public comments raising concerns about cost, priorities, and process. This resulted partially from a coordinated grassroots campaign between AIA National and AIA DC where members were asked to submit official comments and sign up to present their concerns in person in front of the Commission. AIA encourages supporters to stay engaged and advocate for a sound historic preservation process and smart design. The next hearing will be held in April. 

Protecting architecture’s professional degree status
AIA and the Architecture Organizations Alliance submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education on its restructuring of what degree programs are labeled "professional" for the purpose of qualifying for higher annual and lifetime borrowing limits. The coalition urged the department to ensure architecture and similar licensed professions remain recognized so students can access the funding needed to complete their education.

AIA is also partnering with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture to meet with members of Congress in states without B.Arch programs and build support for legislation addressing the proposed loan caps.

🔗 Read a summary of the comments >
🔗 Participate in this congressional outreach >

U.S. Senate introduces 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
The Senate unveiled the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing package led by Sens. Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren. The proposal serves as the Senate’s counterpart to the House-passed Housing for the 21st Century Act, and the two chambers are expected to work toward a unified housing reform package later this year. AIA is tracking the legislation and advocating for AIA housing priorities.