Advocacy

As part of our mission of public outreach and the elevation of the profession of architecture, the AIA New York Chapter is a frequent voice in public debates on policy issues and major building projects in New York. The Chapter strives to promote projects and policies that have the potential to remove regulatory impediments to the practice of architecture and improve the quality of the built environment, and those that help promote the public's appreciation of design and planning excellence, both in New York City and at the State level.

AIA New York's current policy efforts are focused on three areas: partnering with city agencies on policy initiatives, outreach to the general public through innovative programs, and testifying on legislation and other actions on behalf of its members. In 2009 AIA New York has partnered with numerous city agencies, including the Department of Buildings, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Mayor's Office for Long Term Planning and Sustainability, and the NYC Police Department to collaborate on groundbreaking programs that educate the public and advocate for key public policy initiatives important to the design profession. AIA New York has also testified on numerous issues this past year, offering our expertise as architects on City policy initiatives, landmark designation proposals and major building projects to the New York City Council, City Planning Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission, New York State Energy Board and other governmental agencies. Click here to view brief descriptions of recent advocacy positions taken by the Chapter, and links to PDFs of relevant statements.

Policy position statements for consideration by the Chapter's Policy Board can be written by any member of the AIA New York Chapter, or, if written by a non-member, be presented by a member of the Board or Staff of the AIA New York Chapter. Input from relevant Chapter Program Committees and other AIA components is commonly sought.

If you have a question about a Chapter position, or if you have an advocacy issue that the AIA NY should be aware of, please contact Policy Director Jay Bond at jbond@aiany.org or 212-358-6116.

Read a summary of AIANY's 2010 policy initiatives and positions here.

For information on the May 2011 after-hours Department of Buildings Project Reviews, click here or download this pdf.