Sacramento, California—Assemblymember Marc Berman, a champion of legislation that leads to more housing, generates climate action, and facilitates improvements in the built environment was named Legislator of the Year today by the American Institute of Architects California (AIA California).

Berman is as prolific and effective as he is committed to issues critical to his district and Californians. In his first six years in office, he has sent 73 bills to the Governor for signature. Amongst his legislative achievements are bills that remove barriers to infill housing construction, safe parking, and affordable housing.

“We are deeply appreciative of Assemblymember Marc Berman’s commitment to issues important to architects,” noted 2024 AIA President Winston L. Thorne. “As a valued partner of AIA California, he promoted Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) education through his championship of AIA California sponsored AB 1010. These learning opportunities will put sustainability tools in architects’ hands that are win-win for communities and California.”

“Thank you to AIA California for the honor of recognizing me as your 2024 Legislator of the Year,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman. “Among the many positive impacts they have on our communities, architects play an important role in helping society prepare for and address climate change. Working together on AB 1010, which was signed into law a few years ago, we ensured that architects licensed by the State of California receive continuing education in zero net carbon design. This important policy will better equip all architects in California to help combat climate change.”

Assemblymember Berman is responsible for AB 2006, which streamlined processes to build affordable housing in the state, and AB 3 which supports renewable energy and creates jobs. He has secured funding for key affordable housing projects in his district including housing for farm workers and advanced policy to help California Community Colleges provide an integrated approach to student needs, including homelessness.

AIA California’s Legislator of the Year award was initiated in 2023 to recognize elected officials whose influential policy-making demonstrates the values important to the architectural profession that build a better California.