News from National

ROAD to Housing Act advances
The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act of 2025, led by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), unanimously passed the Senate Banking Committee on July 29. Combining provisions from 38 prior bills, it aims to expand housing supply, streamline permitting, support first-time buyers, and strengthen oversight—especially for rural and low-income communities. The bill now awaits full Senate debate and House markup.

AIA Collaborative Achievement Award on hiatus
On the recommendation of the AIA Awards Task Force and supported by the AIA Board of Directors, the AIA Collaborative Achievement Award will not host a competition in the 2026 national awards cycle. The competition hiatus will allow:

  • Evaluation of the program's scope, purpose, and value proposition,

  • Exploration on how collaboration is defined in current architectural practice, and whether the award’s intent can be reframed to generate broader participation and impact.

Additional information on future iterations of this award will be provided at the AIA.org program webpage. Members with ideas for consideration can contact honorsawards@aia.org.

Explore the future of cities at the 2025 RUDC Symposium
Join us in Dallas, October 28–29, for a fast-paced, two-day event featuring targeted discussions and tours that bring this year’s theme to life. The symposium offers up to 11 LU/HSW and invites participants to explore a central question: What design, policy, and financial innovations can turn today’s urban volatility into a durable, sustainable future? Learn more and register >

News from National

FYI

ROAD to Housing Act of 2025

The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 seeks to expand housing opportunities, streamline regulations, modernize federal programs, and spur innovation in housing development. Addressing affordability, supply, resilience, and new paths to homeownership, it includes major HUD reforms. AIA supports efforts to expand affordable housing, protect vital programs, and advocates for increased funding for HOME, CDBG, and reforms that promote innovation and permit streamlining.

ACTION

Next to Lead applications close August 8
Next to Lead is the first program of its kind to support association leadership for ethnically diverse women aspiring to be leaders of the AIA—at the local, state, or national level. The cohort will engage in a ten-month program aimed at enhancing their association leadership acumen, and tackling challenges faced by women in the workplace and the architecture profession. Participants benefit from monthly virtual learning opportunities and in-person workshops, led by expert speakers and AIA staff. 

2026 AIA Awards: Key deadlines 
The 2026 AIA Awards season is officially underway! Below is a summary of important submission deadlines. For more information on awards deadlines, including Fellowship application deadlines, visit AIA Awards online. 

✅ Due August 7, 2025 

  • AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education

  • Architecture Firm Award

  • Edward C. Kemper Award

  • Gold Medal

  • Whitney M. Young Jr. Award

✅ Due August 28, 2025 

  • AIA Associate Award

  • Award for Excellence in Public Architecture

  • Honorary AIA Membership

  • Young Architect Award


2026 AIA Associates Award: Now with fewer letters required!
The 2026 AIA Associates Award is open for applications, closing 5pm ET on August 28. New! This year, letters of recommendation have been reduced from seven (7) required to only three (3)! Don't miss this opportunity for national recognition—start your application today. Apply >

COTE Network Q3 Call: August 5 at 2pm ET
Join a discussion with over 60 Committee on the Environment groups throughout the country. Learn more about the network on the AIA Community Hub. Register >

FREE AI course series: Transform your practice!
Join us for a free, three-course webinar series, sponsored by Egnyte, that explores business applications for innovation and implementing tools like digital twins, AI, and extended reality to lead your firm into the future. Register >

2025 CRAN® Symposium: Resilience In Practice
Network with leading custom residential architects, firm owners, and principals from around the country. Register now through August 28 to secure your spot at the 2025 CRAN® Symposium! Earn up to 10.5 HSWs and 16.5 LUs on a wide range of topics relevant to residential architecture. Tour the award-winning design of regional homes. Register >