AIA's political action committee (ArchiPAC) is an additional tool used by AIA to promote prosperous, sustainable, and equitable communities that benefit everyone. ArchiPAC solicits donations from eligible AIA members and contributes to candidates who support all or specific aspects of AIA's legislative agenda, which is outlined in AIA's Policy Platform. We make contributions to candidates with the intent of accomplishing one or more of the following goals:

• Policy Alignment: Do the candidate's policy positions align closely with AIA's legislative priorities such that he or she will be inclined to support them when in office?
• Efficacy: Is the candidate an up-and-coming leader in Congress with growing influence, in a leadership position, or serve on committees with jurisdiction over issues related to the profession and can, therefore, be effective in implementing AIA's legislative priorities?
• Impact: Is the candidate in a race where an ArchiPAC contribution would be helpful and meaningful to advance the candidate's election?

Why ArchiPAC is Important to Architects

ArchiPAC is the only political action committee speaking for architects and the profession.

ArchiPAC enables the profession to strengthen its civic engagement by electing pro-architect candidates at the federal level. It helps the AIA's advocacy efforts by supporting candidates who will affect policies on design, practice, and the economy.

ArchiPAC amplifies the collective voice of the profession. The influence architects have on the built environment makes our voice in public policy discussions essential.

How ArchiPAC Works

ArchiPAC only accepts donations from eligible AIA members. It uses those donations to contribute to candidates running for federal office who align closely with AIA's legislative priorities and the profession's values.

The ArchiPAC Steering Committee bylaws dictate that the committee may comprise up to eleven AIA members.  The members are appointed by the AIA President and approved by the AIA Board of Directors. The Steering Committee decides the candidates who will receive ArchiPAC contributions, and they are responsible for assuring that all funds raised and spent are directed toward advancing AIA's Policy Platform.

The Steering Committee considers the following factors when deciding to support a candidate:

• What impact can the candidate have on advancing AIA's policy platform?
  • Do they serve on a committee with jurisdiction over any of AIA's priority issues?
  • Do they have direct or strong indirect influence over any of AIA's priority issues?
  • Are they, or will they be, a strong future influencer within the party or Congress and a strong advocate for the profession?
• What are the stated positions of the candidate?
  • Do the candidate's legislative positions align with AIA's Policy Platform?
  • What is their voting history associated with any of AIA's priority issues?
  • Are they open to being educated on AIA's policy issues or being a supporter and advocate for the profession of architecture?
• What are the qualities of the candidate?
  • Does the candidate appear to align their actions and behaviors with the values of the profession?

ArchiPAC is bipartisan and works with and supports candidates from both parties.

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