This year, AIA California worked with local Chapters across the state to set up meetings with their California state senators and assembly members.
Though the meetings were, fundamentally, to establish relationships and develop understanding of the value of architects amongst elected officials and their staffs, Chapter members also discussed Climate Action and Housing issues, using data and talking points coordinated by AIA California advocacy staff.
We’ve asked AIA members who were advocates on Legislative Day to share their experiences. Jeannie Bertolaccini, AIA brought back some interesting intel on elected officials and the amount of time it takes to get through plan reviews, amongst other insights.
Name, AIA Affiliation & Position Within Your Chapter:
Jeannie Bertolaccini, AIA – State Representative
Chapter Name:
AIA Golden Empire
How many times has your Chapter participated in Legislative Day?
Two (in recent years).
AIA California: What is the most important point AIA California members should know about the meetings you held with California State Senators and Assembly Members?
Jeannie Bertolaccini, AIA: Our Senators and Assembly Members are here to assist us with policy discussion and very willing to listen to our concerns.
AIA California: What did you think your meeting was most effective at conveying and why?
Bertolaccini: The important role and responsibility architects have in our community and the built environment and the challenges we face that could use their support.
AIA California: Legislative Day participants discussed the housing crisis with elected officials and their staffs. This topic included code requirements that suppress housing production and the need for equitable and sustainable solutions. What was the perspective of elected officials and/or the staff you met with on this area?
Bertolaccini: They weren’t aware that plan review timelines were such an issue locally. They offered to assist us in reaching out to the City or County when we have extended plan reviews that could affect funding or potentially impact the livelihood of its stakeholders.
They weren’t aware that plan review timelines were such an issue locally.
AIA California: Another topic for discussion was climate action as it relates to the built environment and what efforts AIA CA and architects are taking to address the crisis. California has some of the most ambitious climate goals in the Nation, which originated in the Legislature. What are some key take aways you had from that conversation?
Bertolaccini: We explained how AIA CA emphasizes the need for decarbonization and has emphasized a focus on creating zero-carbon, resilient, and healthy buildings. She was happy to learn architects are now required to earn 5 units of continuing education on zero net carbon design and hadn’t realized how much buildings play a role in the climate crisis.
AIA California: What was the most interesting you learned from an elected official or their staff?
Bertolaccini: The importance of staying engaged and understanding the work our elected officials are doing on our behalf. We need to feel comfortable in reaching out for their assistance.
AIA California: On a personal growth basis, what did you draw from your participation in Legislative Day. How did you benefit from it as an architect, as an AIA leader?
Bertolaccini: We sometimes forget that we have resources and legislators that can assist. I am comforted knowing that they are interested in the work we do and willing to fight for us.
