In response to a directive in AIA Virginia’s Strategic Plan to “create an annual legislative agenda that drives the design of healthy and vibrant local communities,” the Government Advocacy Advisory Council determined that is was critical to first develop a comprehensive document outlining all of our existing public policies and position statements. Not only would a directory of this kind inform the development of our annual legislative agenda, it would also help ensure members and policy-makers understand the rationale behind our legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts.
The work to incorporate the principles of the Virginia Accord and existing national and state policies and positions into one document began in December 2016. Since then, the Advocacy Council, Board, and AIA general counsel worked collaboratively to compile and carefully review existing materials.
At the June 16, 2017, Board of Director’s meeting, AIA Virginia adopted a Directory of Public Policies and Position Statements.
The board also adopted a triennial sectional review process intended to coincide with — and inform — National’s review process. Each year, one of the three sections will be evaluated. Suggestions for refinements to existing statements or new proposed policies will be shared with National during their parallel policy review cycle, increasing the opportunities for AIA Virginia members to influence national policy.
If you would like to get more involved in AIA Virginia’s advocacy efforts, please contact Rhea George at rgeorge@aiava.org.