AIA Ohio Advocacy Committee
A few years ago, with the development of the new AIA Ohio Strategic Plan, the Board created several standing committees to address the organization’s goals. As we enter the third year under the plan, many involved in advocacy must wonder how we would make any progress at all without the work of the Government Advocacy Committee. Developed to address state legislative issues, the work of the committee has been involved in a wide range of issues in support of the profession. From testimony in front of House and Senate Committees to education of AIA Ohio members, the Government Advocacy Committee has begun to build a membership group that is knowledgeable of not only the legislative process, but also of the concerns of AIA Ohio membership. Combined with an effort to develop a coalition of other groups and organizations, the committee has been actively engaged in just about every area of advocacy that touches the profession.
Over the last year, the Government Advocacy Committee worked as a proponent for affordable housing, the expansion of historic tax credits, and as an advocate for improved building codes. This year, we continue to fight for better funding of affordable housing. While we were actively engaged as a stakeholder in the adoption of the 2024 Ohio Building Codes that will take effect on March 1st, we plan to continue to be engaged in the code process as an advocate for an improved and updated residential code. The work of the Government Advocacy Committee is a core focus of AIA Ohio and its success to date has been due to the hard work of the committee and the guidance provided by AIA Ohio’s lobbyist. The committee, which meets weekly, has helped create a foundation for future advocacy success.
While the Government Advocacy Committee will again support efforts to enhance affordable housing programs and better building codes as we enter the second half of the 135th General Assembly, it will also reinforce AIA Ohio’s efforts to provide continued support of historic tax credits and resilient buildings. Additionally, through the Government Advocacy Committee, AIA Ohio will continue to work with and in support of the Ohio Architects Board to preserve appropriate rules for licensure and reciprocity.
To support these advocacy efforts, the committee seeks the support of the AIA Ohio membership. First, we ask each member to support the AIA Ohio PAC. While this is not an article on the needs of the PAC, your support or our PAC is critical to the success of our advocacy program. Second, we ask you to consider attending the AIA Ohio Advocacy Day on March 6, 2024. Our annual advocacy day is one of the few days each year that we, as an organization that represents the profession, have the opportunity to make our needs known to our elected officials. If you have never had the chance to meet with a state legislator, or be involved in the advocacy process, AIA Ohio’s Advocacy Day will provide you with a unique opportunity to participate with others, all of whom share the same needs.
Advocacy Begins with YOU.