While the above is not entirely true, there is a lot of truth to it. Without a hint as to what I am referring to, you may be slightly confused. Simply stated, AIA Ohio has two groups that work closely together. The first, the Government Advocacy Committee (GAC) works closely with management and our lobbyist to review legislation, discuss and provide feedback on agency rules and regulations, and address issues that affect and influence the practice of architecture in Ohio. The GAC is the group that does all of this and more, with most of its work happening behind the scenes. To date, the GAC has spent a good part of 2025 looking at legislation that has been introduced in either the House or the Senate. Many of these bills will go nowhere. But some will be passed, and our effort will be to understand each and determine how they might help, or hurt, the practice of architecture.
While we spent time reviewing issues of individual bills introduced because of specific needs or reasons, we have also dedicated a lot of our time this year to Ohio’s Budget Bill, also known as HB96. This bill, while largely dedicated to the funding of state operations over the next two years, contains many provisions related to the design and construction industry within the state. From the introduction of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to the exemption of accessory spaces from fire suppression systems in agricultural (agritourism) facilities, to badly needed retention reform. Each of these issues will affect members at one time or another. The AIA Ohio GAC attempts to make sure that these new laws or provisions help, and not hurt, our members and their firms.
So this is not about the money. But it is. In order for the GAC to arrange meetings, support legislators’ efforts and work to improve the design and construction industry in Ohio, we do need money. This is where the Ohio Architects PAC comes into play. The Architects PAC is the political action committee that supports the efforts of the AIA Ohio Government Advocacy Committee and other groups in making sure our voice is heard. We cannot be successful in the GAC without the support of the PAC! Every contribution you make goes directly toward supporting our efforts. Every $10, $20, $30 or $50 contribution helps, and for those able, $100, $250, or $500 contributions make a huge difference, and have a lasting impact. We ask you to contribute to the AIA Ohio PAC today.
While we address legislation and new rules on a regular basis, we never know when a need might arise that will require our immediate response. That is why we ask for your support throughout the year. Your contribution today, could help us advance the profession tomorrow. So, in case no one has asked, this is your personal invitation to contribute to the Ohio Architects PAC this year. To contribute, visit the PAC webpage at AIA Ohio Advocacy and the AIA Ohio PAC | AIA Ohio.