Bill Seider, FAIA
Member, ArchiPAC Steering Committee
Devon Gray
AIA Senior Director, Advocacy Capacity Development
ArchiPAC Pre-Check Program
AIA's ArchiPAC is the only political action committee (PAC) that represents architects and the profession at the federal level. ArchiPAC promotes prosperous, sustainable, and equitable communities through bipartisan political contributions to federal candidates. Since the beginning of 2022, I have served with a dozen AIA members and component executives on the ArchiPAC Steering Committee. Through collaboration with AIA's federal relations and political affairs staff, we fundraise and guide the disbursement of PAC contributions.
Compared to other PACs in the design and construction industry, AIA's ArchiPAC is seriously underfunded. Only 1.5% of AIA Members contribute to ArchiPAC annually, placing AIA at a disadvantage. It limits the ability to promote AIA's legislative agenda to candidates, advocate for our local communities, and encourage the election of pro-architect candidates who can influence policy issues important to architects.
To raise awareness about ArchiPAC and encourage contributions, the AIA Board approved the ArchiPAC Steering Committee's proposal to institute a Pre-Check program on the 2023 Member Dues Statements that adds a voluntary $25 PAC Contribution to all members' annual dues. In previous years, members could check the box to add a PAC contribution. However, by implementing a "pre-checked" PAC contribution box that members can uncheck if desired, we can highlight AIA's ArchiPAC and federal advocacy and expand member participation.
If you mistakenly leave the box checked during the membership dues or later decide you do not want to give to ArchiPAC, a full refund of the $25 will be issued upon request.
Before implementing the ArchiPAC Pre-Check program across the AIA, the AIA Board approved a Pilot Program to be conducted in three volunteer states during the 2023 Annual Dues Renewal. I have learned that the best way to influence AIA Policy and Programs is to get involved early. I am happy to announce that the AIA Oregon Board has agreed for Oregon to be included in the Pre-check Pilot Program, along with AIA South Carolina and AIA Oklahoma. AIA National and AIA Oregon will release further information about the ArchiPAC Pre-Check program.
Please sign up for next week’s Thursday Roundtable to learn more about the program, ask questions, and share your comments.