With special thanks to the Advocacy Advisory Council and particular gratitude to the Chair, Maggie Dunlap, Assoc AIA, we can report that the good work to coordinate and increase the effectiveness of our advocacy efforts continues.
We are supporting Community Events: opportunities for key stakeholders, including elected officials, to visit our projects and better appreciate the beneficial impact of the architectural approach and our specific expertise.
We are facilitating “off-season” (away from session) opportunities to connect with legislators and introduce them to the interests and capabilities of AIA members.
We are preparing for the upcoming session of the General Assembly. In the coming months, the Joint Legislative Committee (the JLC; joint because it is comprised of members from both AIA Virginia and ACEC-VA) will be mustered and briefed. We will keep you posted on the progress of the bills we monitor, support, and oppose; and we will invite your assistance if it should be needed.
Additional gratitude is due to the AIA Virginia PAC Board of Trustees, chaired by Eliza Engle, AIA, for their constant and continuing efforts to secure support for our PAC. And to our member colleagues who have responded to that call and invested. The value of being able to introduce ourselves, or deepen an existing relationship, at fundraising events cannot be overestimated. You can invest in the AIAVA PAC here.
Please know that if you become aware of any issues that you believe warrant our focus and attention – at any level: local, state, or federal – you are always welcome to reach out to me, Paul Battaglia.