In this issue:
· AIA’s Stance on Stimulus Plan
· AIA CCD Selects 10 Communities for Technical Assistance
· NCARB Explores Effects of IPD and BIM
· City Launches CareerLink

AIA’s Stance on Stimulus Plan
“The Senate compromise tells millions of workers in the design and construction industry that they don’t deserve to be a part of the economic recovery,” said Marvin Malecha, FAIA, AIA President. “Eliminating funds for school modernization and cutting investments in energy efficient federal buildings means more than 500,000 Americans lose the opportunity to find a job that could help our economy emerge from this recession.

“Nearly one million jobs have been lost in this vital sector — which accounts for one in 10 dollars of GDP — over the past two years. A study conducted by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University states that each $1 million in construction spending supports 28.5 full-time jobs. The Senate’s action only slows the momentum of jobs creation that will get the economy moving again.

“In an economic crisis as grave as this, we need to do everything we can to stimulate the economy and rebuild our communities. What better way to do so than to invest in our children. We are going to fight to make sure that as the bill goes to conference, these funds are restored to the bill.”

For more information on the AIA economic stimulus plan visit the Rebuild and Renew website.

AIA CCD Selects 10 Communities for Technical Assistance
The AIA Center for Communities by Design (CCD) has selected Los Angeles; Cleveland; Indianapolis; SE Tennessee Valley; Virginia Beach; Orange, MA; Port Angeles, WA; Hilo, HI; Beatrice, NB; and Eagle River Valley, CO, as 10 communities to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program in 2009. The collaborative SDAT brings together architects and other professionals assembled from across the country to provide a roadmap for communities seeking to improve their sustainability — as defined by a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social equity needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

An architect-led team of professionals including planners, hydrologists, economic development specialists, and others will be selected based on their credentials and the specific needs of each community. The SDAT will work in conjunction with local stakeholders to help shape the community’s strategy to increase sustainability.

To learn more about the program visit: http://www.aia.org/liv_sdat

NCARB Explores Effects of IPD and BIM
In October 2008, the National Council of Architectural Registrations Boards (NCARB) held a hearing on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Arlington, VA. The hearing brought together a group of industry experts to comment on how the IPD process and BIM technology may affect responsible control by architects.

Overall, presenters at the hearing affirmed that responsible control by architects over building design was critical to the public’s safety. They also agreed that this regulatory responsibility could be exercised in a way that facilitated project delivery methods that continue to evolve. The task force has recommended modifications to NCARB’s Legislative Guidelines and Model Law to the Board of Directors to more explicitly address responsible control and its relationship to IPD and BIM technologies. NCARB’s Member Boards will vote on the proposed changes in the form of resolutions at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Conference in Chicago in June.

City Launches CareerLink
Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber, NYC Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) President, Seth W. Pinsky, SBS Commissioner Robert W. Walsh, and the NYC Workforce Investment Board announced the launch of CareerLinkNYC, a website devoted to providing New Yorkers with essential resources for those who have recently lost a job, are looking for a new job, want to start a business, or are thinking about continuing education options in NYC. While it is geared toward members of the financial services and information technology sectors, the information provided is relevant to any entry- to mid-level professional impacted by the current economic climate.