Advocacy Committee

2025 Mission & Initiatives
Mission:

• Promote and advocate for issues important to DC architects;
• Become a resource for DC architects on local and national legislation, policies and initiatives;
• Team-up with other AIADC Committees and the Advocacy Working Group to advance common
  goals and goals set forth by the AIA|DC Board;
• And support and advance equity in the built environment.

Quarterly Initiatives:
Q1 – focus on upcoming elections and pending legislation

• Survey local politicians running for election about their position on issues relevant to DC
  architects.
• Publish a report for AIA DC members.
• Work with AIA DC Board Community Working Group on establishing a City Hall Day to
  speak with council members about the Good Sam Law

Q2 – focus on restarting ANC and coffee programming

• Host ANC training with the Office of Planning
• Continue Coffee with a Councilmember series to foster interaction between local elected
  officials and AIA DC members

Q3 – focus on creating a database for members and outreach to other committees

• Continue to advocate for code change to allow for point access blocks, including a
  sign-on letter to encourage the passage of the One Front Door Act and presenting to
  agencies about the benefits of single-stair apartments (potential to partner with SFx and
  Housing Committee)
• Develop resource pages on AIA DC website including pages for the Bird-Friendly Glass
  Law, the proposed Good Samaritan Act, One Front Door Act, and a
  legislation/policies/issues/initiatives tracker.
• Continue to champion mass timber and other sustainable, resilient building methods and
  strategies (potential to partner with COTE)

Q4 – focus on continuing initiatives and planning for what’s next

• Second Coffee with a Councilmember event
• Work with other committees and internally to pinpoint new advocacy issues

Continual:

• Continue working with the Office of Planning and the Coalition for Smarter Growth on
  pushing forward zoning changes that promote a better built environment.
• Keep track of pertinent legislation in the district and federally 

See our position on:
DC Statehood