Promoting Livable Communities through Political Action: Architects Political Action Committee (APAC) of Washington

Dear Fellow Members:

I am proud of Washington architects in many ways – and especially of our recent accomplishments and growing influence in our state's government affairs. Our strong Political Action Committee – known as APAC of Washington – ranks among the top 50 Washington PACS, and helps sustain design professionals' influence in Olympia.

In recent years, advocacy efforts have engaged architects with our state's decision-makers, and made possible some important achievements directly affecting our practices, in a positive way. I'd cite these briefly, of particular significance:
• a reduction in potential tax burden to architecture firms;
• establishment of modern, more universally used building codes, helping us achieve economies for our businesses and for our clients as well;
• preservation of a reasonable statute of repose, with the positive effect of freeing architects from excessive professional liability;
• increases in the fee structure for our work on state projects (often used as a benchmark by other public organizations); and
• maintenance of strong licensing laws defining our profession.

As design professionals, we have the responsibility and the special knowledge it takes to create and sustain livable communities - and our influence with key decision-makers makes sure that state and local legislation supports all of us in achieving positive goals in the built environment. AIA Washington Council has adopted the theme "PROMOTING LIVABLE COMMUNITIES THROUGH POLITICAL ACTION" to guide our work in Olympia - beginning with effort on some key issues in the 2005 session. The Architects Political Action Committee (APAC) of Washington will help us continue to make a positive difference.

My partners and I at Arai Jackson Ellison Murakami, along with our counterparts at firms throughout Washington, urge all Washington design professionals to join us in stepping up to support our government affairs agenda, via a contribution to APAC of Washington.

Please plan to attend the Gubernatorial Candidate Forum September 22 (7am at the Grand Hyatt Seattle) with colleagues from AIA Washington Council and the Washington Construction Industry Council.

We hope you'll also considering putting together a team for the 7th Annual Golf "Fun"draiser October 7 at Echo Falls Country Club - with our colleagues of the Architects & Engineers Legislative Council.

Please PLEDGE TODAY!
Suggested guideline for AIA Member Firm contributions: $15/staff member
* Click here to download pledge form

If you have further questions about the AIA Washington legislative program, or the operation of the APAC of Washington, please contact AIA Washington Council Executive Director Stan Bowman at (800) 722-0394 or (360) 943-6012 - or visit www.aiawa.org.