Grassroots 2010 Report

Theme: Design as Inspiration, Engagement and Collaboration.

Fall off in AIA membership is 28,000

AIA National Bylaw amendments:

• International AIA members –search for an appropriate title that reflects that an individual is a licensed architect, but not licensed in the USA.
• Associate members – associate members to be able to serve as regional directors.
• Members Dues Payment plan – current flexible payment in effect for 7500 members is to be introduced for all members. The issue being how to manage component budgets.

Integrated Media Partner:

Instead of McGraw Hill Construction (Architectural Record) a new contract is being negotiated with Hanly Wood – (Architect Magazine).

International Energy Code

First draft will be available on line March 15^th.

Blueprint for Action and Economic Recovery

AIA Blueprint 2010

Creation of Jobs is the main thrust.

Vertical construction versus horizontal – more jobs.

• Rebuild and Renew America’s Communities – provide funding for community development through block grants – which in turn are an effective tool for job creation.
• Make Credit Available for Commercial Building Projects– extend dead line for Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility – every $1million invested in design and construction projects create 28.5 jobs.
• Expand the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction –enlarge the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction from $1.80 to $3.00 per square foot.
• Provide Relief for Small Business (65% of job growth in the US) – Lending Bill 3854–(presently in the Senate) will support $44 million in lending and create or save 1.3 million jobs, and address COBRA insurance.
• Support Funding for Modernization of Schools- a three fold benefit. Creates jobs in design and construction. The 2!st Century Green High-Performance Public School Facilities Act (HR 2187) would provide more energy efficient schools and a better environment for students there by investing in the future of our State.

Meetings on Capitol Hill

Orchestrated by Jean Gibson, Exec Director AIA NM, and expertly lead by Vic Johnson – President-Elect AIA NM, Gary Yabumoto – President AIA Southern, Richard Haas – Sgn. Rep. to the AIA NM Board, and Jennifer Jaramillo – Assoc. AIA Rep on AIA NM Board.

Congressman Harry Teague

Congressman Martin Heinrich – Steve Haro

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan –Andrew Jones

Senator Tom Udall – Sabrina de Santiago

Senator Bingaman (very informative)

• Tax credits and cuts only possible in light of current legislative and economic climate.
• Energy bill – “Home Star” – presently in the Senate.
• NASEO – National Association of State Energy Officials for information on local legislation.

Small Component Meeting

Components with less than 100 members and staffed by volunteers or part time assistants.

Presenter/Liaison – Erica Ges

A New Strategic Plan for 2010 – 2015 (draft) was presented.

• How to make our profession more visible.
• How to make public outreach more effective.

A Google networking group will be created for small components – to exchange ideas and experience – what works and what doesn’t.

Full Report

For the full report on the Grassroots conference – the Keynote Address and General Sessions webcast on demand, go to the current (February 12 – Vol. 17) AIArchitect site.

It was an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to go to Washington and to Capitol Hill as a representative of AIA Santa Fe.

Anna van Schayk, AIA Santa Fe President-Elect