An Update on the Virginia General Assembly, and other advocacy activities

Posted on by cguske

While AIA Virginia did not propose any legislation in the Virginia General Assembly this year, we have been vigilant in monitoring the bills that were proposed by others. When proposed legislation does, or might, affect us, we have developed an appropriate response: supporting or opposing those bills – or, in some cases, working to see that they are amended to our satisfaction.

Having just passed the midway point of Virginia’s legislative session – after which the bills “crossover” to the other chamber – we will remain attentive to the progress of the surviving legislation. We will monitor how each bill advances; whether it is passed, or amended, by the other chamber; how, if amended, it is resolved by a Committee of Conference; whether it is accepted, vetoed, or amended, by the Governor; and how, if amended or vetoed, it is received by the General Assembly.

In the meantime, we have a sizeable delegation headed to DC for AIA Leadership Summit 2023. Next week’s program includes sessions on Leadership, Advocacy, Engagement, and the role of the Citizen Architect. There will be opportunities to network with AIA members from across the country. And Hill Day will afford the opportunity to connect with our elected officials at the national level to discuss issues of interest to AIA nationally – as well as some items of local interest that could be affected by federal legislation.

There is certainly plenty of good work being done. I applaud those who are active in advocacy.

This work requires consistent action. It is never finished. It requires constant engagement, and education, at the local, state, and federal levels.

Soon after the current legislative sessions end, we will turn our attention to considering how we can better coordinate and organize our various advocacy programs and increase the impact of our legislative and regulatory activities. Stay tuned for additional information about that.

And please invest in the PAC. The PAC is a powerful tool in our advocacy toolbox. We will need your help to keep this, and all our tools, sharp.

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

With only 48 hours remaining, AIA Central Virginia continues their lead in the “Rumble in the Jungle” for the AIA Virginia Political Action Committee Award

AIA Central Virginia continues to be slightly ahead of AIA Hampton Roads with 70 and 60 points respectively. AIA Blue Ridge has 30 points and AIA Richmond has 20 points. AIA Northern Virginia has not scored any points yet (come on Northern Virginia!) AIA Central Virginia is the only local component Board of Directors at 100% participation as of this date. As we have seen in past years, the leaderboard can change overnight when $1,000 is on the line!

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The Award has historically been presented at Architecture Exchange East to the local component’s Board of Directors who will accept the award on behalf of its respective members. The award criteria is based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Below outlines point allocations:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest into the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component’s members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

AIA Hampton Roads Still Leading the “Rumble in the Jungle” for the AIA Virginia Political Action Committee Award

The defending champions, AIA Hampton Roads is currently leading the competition comfortably with 80 points. AIA Central Virginia has jumped up to second place with 60 points. AIA Blue Ridge is currently third with 40 points and AIA Richmond is fourth with 10 points. AIA Northern Virginia has not yet scored any points (come on Northern Virginia!) AIA Central Virginia is the only local component Board of Directors at 100% participation as of this date. Like we have seen in past years, the leaderboard can change overnight when $1,000 is on the line!

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The Award has historically been presented at Architecture Exchange East to the local component’s Board of Directors who will accept the award on behalf of its respective members. The award criteria is based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Below outlines point allocations:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest into the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component’s members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

AIA Hampton Roads Wins the AIA Virginia PAC Award for the Second Time

Posted on by cguske

For the second time in four years, AIA Hampton Roads won AIA Virginia’s annual PAC Award termed the “Rumble in the Jungle”. As the winner, the local component will receive $1,000 from AIA Virginia for use during its 2022 Architecture Week to enhance its public outreach efforts. AIA Hampton Roads was the only team to have 100% investment participation from its Board of Directors which was the difference between winning and losing. In addition, 5.4% of its total membership was invested [the 2017 statewide participation rate was roughly 2%], and the average contribution per member out of the total component membership of 352 individuals was $24.25.

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC.  The award criteria are based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Invest at www.aiavapac.org

AIA Virginia is thankful for the following 2021 PAC Investors:

$2,500 to $4,999

Hanbury
PMA Architecture
VMDO Architects

$1,000 to $2,499

Glave & Holmes Architecture
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
Quinn Evans
VIA Design Architects

$500 to $999

MG2 Corporation
MTFA Architecture
William “Bill” Brown, AIA
Jeremy Maloney, AIA

$200-$499

Conkey Architects
Frazier Associates
Galvin Architects
Anonymous 
Scott Campbell, AIA
R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA
Eric Keplinger, AIA
David King, AIA
Jeanne LeFever
Carolyn Rickard-Brideau, AIA
J. Mitch Rowland, AIA
Elisabeth Sloan, AIA
Lou Wolf, AIA

$100-$199

Alloy Architecture & Construction
Architecture AF
Colley Architects
Galvin Architects
Kerns Group Architects
KGD Architecture
Powe Studio Architects
Reader & Swartz Architects
r4 llc
Colin Arnold, AIA
JW Blanchard, AIA
Robert Dunay, FAIA
Rebecca Edmunds, AIA
Thomas Ellis, AIA
Eliza Engle, AIA
Nathaniel McCormick, AIA
Rob Reis, AIA
James Scruggs, AIA
Nick Serfass, FAIA
Michael Spory, Assoc. AIA
Chris Venable, AIA
Nick Vlattas, FAIA
Steve Wakeman, AIA

Up to $99

B. Grace Design, LLC
MSStudioarchitecture, LLC
Anonymous [ 9 ]
Ryan Alkire, AIA
Krystal Anderson, AIA
Ron Anderson | Nello Wall Systems, Inc.
Kelly Batchelder
Scott Boyce, AIA
Debbie Burns, Hon. AIA
John Burns, FAIA
Phoebe Crisman, AIA
April Drake, AIA
Maggie Dunlap, Assoc. AIA
Robert Easter, FAIA
Braden Field, AIA
Rhea George, Hon. AIA VA
John Glenn, AIA
Cathy Guske, Hon. AIA VA
Charles Hendricks, AIA
Stephen Kulinski, AIA
Michael Lawson, AIA
Roland Lemke, AIA
Spencer Lepler, AIA
Joe McCoy, AIA
Joshua McKenrick, AIA
Shawn Mulligan, AIA
Marci Parrish
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA
Gareth Ratti, AIA
Maury Saunders, AIA
Amanda Schlichting, AIA
Kristen Smith
Mark Treon, AIA
Nick Wade, AIA
Chris Warren, AIA
Ed Weaver, AIA
Rob Winstead, AIA

2022 Membership Dues

Posted on by cguske

Over recent years, AIA Virginia has undertaken significant steps to improve member value while reducing organization expenses. In 2020, Supplemental Firm Dues were completely eliminated! This means there are no other dues obligations outside of individual membership dues.

You spoke loudly—the most important thing we at AIA Virginia do for you is advocacy. You expressed a desire for us to be more proactive on issues that elevate the importance of architects and good design. We heard you.

The AIA Virginia PAC supports legislators who understand our agenda and support our goals without regard to political party affiliation. By speaking with a unified voice, architects can influence legislation affecting our profession and the quality of life in our communities. For more information regarding the AIA Virginia PAC, please click here to read the FAQs.

How much of my 2022 dues payment will go to the AIA Virginia PAC?
$5 for Associate AIA members
$10 for Architect members
$10 for International Associate members

If this investment is acceptable, no action is required on your part. If you wish to divert your 2022 PAC allocation to our general operating account, please let us know by going to https://www.aiava.org/2022-dues-pac-opt-out/.

If you have any questions, please contact Corey Clayborne, FAIA, NOMA, MBA at cclayborne@aiava.org. Thank you for believing in what we do.

Let’s Welcome Our New PAC Investors!

Posted on by cguske

We cannot have an influential voice without having relationships with our state legislators. As such, the PAC allows us the opportunity to build these necessary relationships through attending various fundraisers. Since May 15, the following individuals and firms proudly invested in our PAC:

Architecture AF
Frazier Associates
Hanbury
KGD Architecture
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
PMA Architecture
VIA Design Architects
Ryan Alkire, AIA
Colin Arnold, AIA
Maggie Dunlap, Assoc. AIA
Robert Easter, FAIA
Mitch Rowland, AIA
Maury Saunders, AIA
Nick Serfass, FAIA
Elisabeth Sloan, AIA
Ed Weaver, AIA
Lou Wolf, AIA

2021 Political Outlook in Virginia

Posted on by cguske

On January 13th, the Virginia General Assembly will gavel into the 2021 session during an unprecedented time. As Virginia grapples with the impacts of COVID-19, legislators convened for a 65-day regular session and 84-day special session last year resembling traits of a full-time legislature. And as COVID-19 continues to snatch lives, the Virginia Senate was not immune. Senator Ben Chafin (R-Lebanon) recently succumbed to his battle with the virus.

In odd-numbered years, the General Assembly convenes for a “short session” which is 30 days as prescribed by the Constitution. Since the Constitution was amended in 1971, both political parties have voted to extend “short sessions” to 46 days. This year, Republicans announced that they will not vote for the extension which requires two-thirds approval from both chambers. In response, the Governor has stated he will call a special session at the conclusion of the 30-day regular session to finish any necessary business.

What we know is that the House of Delegates will continue to meet virtually for all its meetings and the Senate will meet in person at the Science Museum of Virginia. This adds a sharp complexity to advocacy as impromptu meetings with legislators in the hallway and office visits to discuss issues are now eliminated.  As a replacement, elbowing for Zoom meeting slots, texting, and emailing legislators will be the unfortunate norm this year as modes of communication. In conclusion, it will be paramount to make each “touch” with a legislator count and being judicious on how often we hit the “send” button on any email or text message.

Please note the following key dates of session:

  • January 13 – General Assembly session convenes
  • January 22 – Bill cut-off
  • February 9 – Bill crossover
  • February 27 – Sine die
  • April 7 – Reconvene session

AIA Virginia’s Legislative Priorities

This year, legislators will have tighter limits on the number of bills that can be submitted. Members of the House will be limited to seven bills while members of the Senate may submit 12 bills. This, combined with lawmakers meeting virtually and offsite, have led to a change in advocacy strategy this year. Due to these challenges, AIA Virginia will not file any bills this year. However, please be on the lookout for weekly General Assembly updates on the bills we are actively engaging and monitoring once session commences.

Instead, we will use this year to relentlessly focus on connecting legislators with their architect constituents – thus positioning you and our profession as a valuable resource to them. The result is that our elected officials will have a face to go with the terms “architect” and “architecture”. The AIA Virginia Advocacy Advisory Council is working on a virtual program to deploy in 2021 that will accomplish this goal. Stay tuned!

We tested this concept successfully on January 6 with Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Richmond). In conjunction with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia, AIA Virginia held a one-hour industry roundtable discussion that covered the environment, infrastructure, schools, affordable housing, and energy. The result is that Sen. Hashmi recognizes AIA as a valuable asset on any of these topics.

Special thanks to the following roundtable participants who either live or work in Sen. Hashmi’s district:

Lori Garrett, FAIA: Senior Principal at Glave & Holmes Architects
Stephen Halsey, AIA: Principal at Moseley Architects
Burt Pinnock, FAIA: Chairman of the Board at Baskervill
Jacob Sherry, AIA: Architect at 510 Architects

These individuals were joined by Advocacy Vice President, Kathy Galvin, AIA.

Also, please support our advocacy efforts by investing in our PAC at Virginia American Institute of Architects PAC.  We can’t do the great work we are doing without your support.

PAC Pin Design Contest Winner

Posted on by cguske

Last fall, AIA Virginia’s Government Advocacy Advisory Council and the PAC Board of Trustees engaged the membership in the creation of an updated PAC pin.

Historically, members who invest in AIA Virginia’s Political Action Committee (PAC) have received a lapel pin that can be worn to demonstrate his/her support of our legislative efforts. The existing pin had become dated as it used the organization’s past name of VSAIA (Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects).

We were pleased to announce at Architecture Exchange East last November that Allison Ewing, AIA, LEED AP, Founder & Partner at Hays + Ewing Design Studio has won this design contest and her pin design is now ready to be worn by AIA Virginia members statewide who give to the AIA Virginia PAC.

Join these donors and support the candidates who understand the architecture profession and receive the new PAC pin.

About Allison
As an architect and leader, Allison Ewing has advanced sustainability through design, implementation, and advocacy – both within and beyond the architectural profession — by modeling change in the building industry with solutions both visionary and practical. Working on commercial, institutional, residential, and mixed-use projects at both large- and small-scale, Allison Ewing’s architectural experience spans twenty-five years and three continents. Ms. Ewing’s work seeks transformation – of site, of workplace, of living environment. She pursues design excellence at all scales, from site to building to detail – an approach which encompasses meeting client’s goals while arriving at elegant solutions that embody sustainable best practices.

Prior to forming her own firm HEDS with partner Chris Hays, Ms. Ewing was Partner at William McDonough + Partners, and design associate at the Italian firm of Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Her work experience also includes the offices of Cesar Pelli & Associates and Mitchell Giurgola Architects.

Ms. Ewing has been a speaker at a number of national and international events related to sustainable design and her work has been published in EcoHome, USA Weekend, Dwell, Custom, and the Washington Post Home. She has received many design awards, including “Custom Home of the Year Award” from Custom Home Magazine. The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center of Virginia received the top Virginia AIA award in 2018.

Ms. Ewing received her Masters in Architecture from Yale University Graduate School of Architecture. She was the recipient of a Monbusho Fellowship to Japan where she studied Japanese housing.

“Allison Ewing ranks high among the first-generation of architects leading our industry toward sustainability over the past 30 years, and her name, work, voice, and lasting influence in this crucial field stand alongside those of visionary peers like William McDonough, Ed Mazria, Bob Berkebile, and Mary Ann Lazarus.” – Rick Schwolksy, Senior Fellow, Architecture 2030

AIA Hampton Roads Snatches the “Rumble in the Jungle” Victory

Posted on by cguske

At Architecture Exchange East, AIA Hampton Roads was crowned the winner of the second annual “Rumble in the Jungle.” The trophy was presented during the conference’s General Session by Delegate Lamont Bagby who serves as the Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. As the winner, AIA Hampton Roads will receive $1,000 from AIA Virginia for use during its 2020 Architecture Week to enhance its public outreach efforts.

AIA Hampton Roads had 100% investment participation from its Board of Directors, approximately 5% of its total membership invested [the 2017 statewide participation rate was roughly 2%], and the average contribution per member out of total component membership of 384 individuals was $15.99.

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component who supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The Award will be presented at Architecture Exchange East to the local component’s Board of Directors who will accept the award on behalf of its respective membership. The Award criteria is based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Invest at www.aiavapac.org

AIA Virginia is thankful for the following 2019 PAC Investors:

$5,000 to $9,999
Architecture, Incorporated

$2,500 to $4,999
Hanbury

$1,000 to $2,499
Glave & Holmes Architecture
Moseley Architects
Quinn Evans Architects
VIA Design Architects
Kenney Payne, AIA

$500 to $999
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
MG2 Corporation
William T. Brown, AIA
Robert Comet, AIA

$200-$499
Anonymous
R. Corey Clayborne, AIA
Theresa del Ninno, AIA
David King, AIA
Gregory Powe, AIA
Elisabeth Sloan, AIA
Nick Vlattas, FAIA
Lou Wolf, AIA
Dan Zimmerman, AIA

$100-$199
Anonymous
Husain Alam, AIA
Ron Anderson of Nello Wall Systems
Jim Boyd, AIA
Carolyn Rickard-Brideau, AIA
Scott Campbell, AIA
Andrew Cheng, AIA
Tim Colley, AIA
Karen Conkey, AIA
Robert Dunay, FAIA
Robert Easter, AIA
Rebecca Edmunds, AIA
Thomas Ellis, AIA
Eliza Engle, AIA
Lynden Garland, AIA
Genevieve Keller
Thomas Kerns, FAIA
Ed Gillikin, AIA
Eric Keplinger, AIA
Jeanne LeFever, AIA
Jeremy Maloney, AIA
Beth Reader, FAIA
Sean Reilly, AIA
Robert Reis, AIA
J. Mitchell Rowland, III, AIA
James Scruggs, AIA
Charles Todd, AIA
Chris Venable, AIA

Up to $99
Anonymous (10)
Krystal Anderson, AIA
Sam Bowling, AIA
Scott Boyce, AIA
Debbie Burns, Hon. AIA
John Burns, FAIA
Mickey Chapa, AIA
Phoebe Crisman, AIA
April Drake, AIA
Jori Erdman, AIA
Keesha Ezell
Braden Field, AIA
Rhea George, Hon. AIA VA
Jody Lahendro, FAIA
Spencer Lepler, AIA
Nathaniel McCormick, AIA
Robert McGinnis, FASLA
Andrew McKinley, AIA
T.J. Meehan, AIA
Shawn Mulligan, AIA
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA
Gareth Ratti, AIA
Susan Reed, AIA
Amanda Schlichting, AIA
Damian Seitz, AIA
Marc Treon, AIA
Chris Warren, Assoc. AIA
Ed Weaver, AIA
Jean Webster, AIA
Rob Winstead, AIA
Fred Wolf, AIA

PAC FAQs

Posted on by rgeorge
  1. What is the AIA Virginia PAC?
    The AIA Virginia Political Action Committee (PAC) is the funding vehicle used to support legislators in office and candidates seeking elected office whose policy positions support the profession of architecture and align with our Directory of Public Policies and Position Statements. Contributions to the PAC are voluntary and shall in no way be a condition of membership in AIA Virginia. The PAC is governed by its own Board of Trustees, separately from AIA Virginia’s Board of Directors. However, the Chair of the Board of Trustees is the Vice President of Government Advocacy (from AIA Virginia’s Executive Committee) as an ex-officio member. The Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia also serves on the Board of Trustees as ex-officio.

  2. Why does the organization have to give money to legislators?
    Shouldn’t legislators just do the right thing? It sounds like you are trying to buy votes.

    We will never buy votes. Investing in legislators provides access and forms partnerships. Any legislator only has so much time to balance the competing demands, priorities, and requests that are a part of their job. Often, time allocations are as follows: constituents first, then supporters, and if any time remains after priorities are complete, it is allocated to everyone else.

    Showing support for a legislator or candidate is done in one of two ways: time or money. Handing out flyers and knocking on doors to reach 140 individuals is unfeasible for an organization of our size. Therefore, we demonstrate our support through contributions, not unlike personally showing your support to a non-profit. For example, to advance the mission of Habitat for Humanity, one must either swing a hammer on site on a Saturday or make a financial contribution. This is the only way Habitat can achieve its goals and how it knows you exist as a resource.

    The same principle holds true for a legislator or a candidate running for elected office. In addition, making a contribution to attend a legislative event provides the organization an opportunity to educate legislators about what we do as architects. This is the foundation for relationship-building and establishes AIA Virginia as a resource for consulting when certain bills are introduced during the General Assembly session. Remember, the Virginia General Assembly is comprised of members of varying backgrounds, professions, experiences, and cultures. Many have no idea what architects do or why what we do is important for a community. If we don’t speak for ourselves in terms of educating legislators, then you better believe that another entity will.

  3. The PAC only focuses on procurement issues. My firm does not do public work, so the PAC is irrelevant to me and provides no value to my firm.
    The PAC benefits ALL firms. If you like the way you are allowed to practice in Virginia, then the PAC is relevant to you. We have established a positive legal framework for practicing in Virginia, and the PAC is essential to ensuring this framework continues to benefit the profession as a whole. Historically, you have heard the most about procurement for two reasons. First, many of the bills introduced in the General Assembly that have a negative impact on the profession involve procurement of design services using taxpayer dollars. Second, the AIA Virginia PAC’s historically low funding levels has allowed us to only be reactive and extinguish the “greatest fires.”

    In reality, we advocate for issues outlined in our Directory of Public Policies and Position Statements, including the following: civic engagement, resiliency, mass transit, tort reform, regulation, the business of architecture, environmental responsibility, diversity + inclusion, accessibility, housing, historic preservation, and livable communities to name a few priorities. For example, AIA Virginia was instrumental in the passing of a bill that requires all school projects to be reviewed for security and crime prevention through building design elements during the 2019 General Assembly. Since 2018, our members’ perception of the PAC has shifted, and the PAC’s value is being recognized through increased investments. This investment is allowing AIA Virginia to begin shifting to advancing many of these issues.

  4. Why is this now just coming up? The PAC has been around for some time and everything has seemed to be going alright.
    The PAC is unique in that members participate voluntarily, yet the benefits impact everyone in our profession. AIA VA’s PAC initiative is the only equitable way to fully support the many elements of advocacy. Prior to 2018, less than 3% of our membership invested in the PAC. Though this number has improved since last year, it is far from reaching a level that is meaningful and sustainable.

    In March 2019, a survey of 2,338 AIA Virginia members and allied members garnered nearly a 20% response rate. The responses clearly indicated the value of advocacy to members. Surveys have also shown that members desire the AIA to be more instrumental in the public realm and proactively promote the value of architects and architecture. Our PAC is the first step in building relationships with policymakers and those who have influence over our profession and the built environment.

  5. I thought a portion of my dues went to Government Advocacy. Tell me again, what is this for?
    Currently, a portion of your AIA Virginia dues goes toward paying lobbyist fees and day-to-day business operations of performing advocacy. Today, no portion of your dues goes to supporting political candidates for elected office or legislators currently in office. Support of those individuals is provided through the PAC.

  6. How do you decide which candidates to support?
    The PAC Board of Trustees, which consists of AIA members, develops a Disbursement Plan using counsel from our lobbyist team at Williams Mullen. Primarily, we focus on individuals who sit on the House and Senate General Laws Committees and members of the House and Senate leadership. Many bills that impact the profession of architecture land in the General Laws Committee. This does not mean that other Committees are unimportant; we strategically contribute to members on other Committees as our available PAC member investments allow.

  7. Does the AIA Virginia PAC benefit candidates for national office or U.S. House and Senate legislators?
    No. AIA National has a PAC called ArchiPAC, which supports legislators in the U.S. House and Senate as well as candidates for national office—a completely different undertaking than the AIA Virginia PAC. The AIA Virginia PAC is used to support legislators in the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate as well as candidates for state office.

  8. How much money do you need in the PAC to be successful?
    Based on our Disbursement Plan, which targets primarily the House and Senate General Laws Committees and House and Senate leadership, a minimum of $30,000 annually is required to be impactful and proactive. As we continue to mature in the legislative arena and proactively advocate for issues in accordance with AIA VA’s Directory of Public Policies and Position Statements, more money is required annually. This is because many of those issues fall with Committees outside of General Laws.

    A meaningful contribution from an organization our size ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the legislator’s rank and influence. Our 2019 Disbursement Plan consists of 36 individuals and 5 caucus events. Our PAC goal for this year is $35,000. The PAC Opt-In is estimated to generate $20,000 annually. This alone is insufficient. AIA Virginia will still require additional PAC investments to be successful.

  9. Before this proposed PAC initiative, how much did the PAC generate previously?
    In 2015 and 2016, the PAC generated an amount of money equivalent to less than $1.50 per AIA Virginia member. In 2017, AIA Virginia members invested just over $6,833. In the same year, PACs representing engineers and contractors each ranged from $50,000 to $65,000. This is a factor of 10! AIA Virginia’s historic levels of PAC participation are unsustainable for ensuring the health of our profession in the state.

    In 2018, AIA Virginia developed and implemented a multi-pronged strategy to communicate the value and importance of the PAC to members. It worked! Last year, we are proud to say AIA Virginia members and firms invested nearly $22,000.

  10. Are there any other AIA state components that do this?
    Yes. However, PAC laws vary from state to state. In 2018, the Board of Directors undertook extensive research and planning to position themselves to take action this August. Part of the process included discussions with state components that allocate a portion of their dues to a PAC in a similar way such as AIA Georgia, AIA Illinois, and AIA New Jersey.

  11. You all lean a little too heavily toward one particular party for my liking. How much money did you give to Democrats vs. Republicans?
    The AIA Virginia PAC is non-partisan. Contributions to one political party may be greater than the other in any given year due to the composition of the General Laws Committees. The political party in power will have more individuals on any respective Committee [not just General Laws] and also Chair committees. As of 2019, the House and Senate are both narrowly controlled by Republicans. As such, our 2019 Disbursement Plan has allocated $15,500 to Republicans and $12,500 to Democrats.

  12. Do you support AIA members that run for state office?
    Yes, and we encourage it! In 2019, one of our members ran for the 57th District House seat. Through our PAC, we were able to invest $1,225 in this member.
  13. How much of my dues payment will go to the AIA Virginia PAC?
    $5 for Associate AIA members
    $10 for Architect members
    $10 for International Associate members
  14. Do I get a check back for the amount of the dues increase if I decide not to allocate it as a PAC investment?
    By Virginia law, an organization cannot mandate that you contribute to a PAC. As such, AIA Virginia will allow those who wish to not invest in the PAC to have their PAC allocation go to the organization’s General Operating Fund. No rebates will be issued.

  15. Will this allocation to the PAC occur annually?
    Currently, the plan is to defer a portion of dues money to the PAC annually starting in 2020. A member will ALWAYS have the option to move that portion to the General Operating Fund instead. This allocation does not always mean dues will be raised by an established amount. For example, in the absence of a dues increase, the intent to make a PAC deferral from membership dues remains.