With California being in the top 5 largest economies in the world, and with each legislator representing between about 500,000 and 1,000,000 constituents, we uniquely have one of the most active legislatures in the nation. This is the environment in which AIA California is working hard to ensure architects have a seat at the table to address the critical issues facing our communities, our state, and our planet.
A strong political action committee is critical in Sacramento and crucial for AIA California to support and build relationships with state leaders – leaders who support initiatives and issues impacting the built environment, our profession, and our communities. The California Architects for Livable Communities Political Action Committee (CALC PAC) is an essential advocacy tool for the architectural profession in the state capitol and beyond.
California Architects for Livable Communities Political Action Committee (CALC PAC) is the bipartisan organization run by and for architects that supports political candidates who understand issues important to the architectural profession and in support of the built environment in California. This is a separate, but related organization to AIA California and allows the architectural profession in California to be active participants in the political process.
CALC PAC supports elected officials who understand issues important to the architectural profession. This is a bipartisan political action committee who supports candidates from both sides of the aisle. Issues impacting the built environment and the business and practice of architecture are under the purview of a number of different committees in the California State Legislature:
CALC PAC provides an opportunity to build relationships with members of these committees as well as support candidates for future office that understand issues important to the profession.
CALC PAC is administered by a Board of Trustees comprised of 11 AIA members (five members of the Executive Committee and five donors to CALC PAC and the AIA CA Executive Vice President). They analyze opportunities to support candidates and make decisions based on insight and recommendations from local AIA components and the AIA CA advocacy team. AIA members are welcome to provide input on candidates and are often asked to represent the organization at political events.
In the past, CALC PAC campaigns have focused on various individuals and architectural firms who have been consistent supporters. However, issues are escalating and require a significant and sustained level of support. From climate emergency to issues impacting the business of architecture to housing policies – we could no longer put the responsibility on so few individuals and the AIA CA Board of Directors recently voted to earmark $10 of each member’s dues for CALC PAC in 2024.
Contributions to CALC PAC are not tax deductible and contributions are limited to $9,100 each year (source: California Fair Political Practices Commission)
