In this issue:

· AIA NYS Convention 10.14-16
· Legislative Update — AIA, AIANYS, & AIANY
· Materials Library Survey needs your input

AIA NYS Convention October 14-16

Planning is underway for the 2010 AIA New York State convention, taking place 10.14-16.10 in Buffalo, NY, in conjunction with the ASLA Upstate New York. This year’s theme is “Creating the Fabric of Our Culture.” The call for presentations is now open, with AIANYS accepting proposals through 05.03. There will be 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions, and presenters and their firms are listed online and onsite. For submission details and to download an editable submission template, visit http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs043/1011137626014/archive/1103212929895.html.

Legislative Update — AIA, AIANYS, & AIANY

In addition to Carolyn Maloney’s recent visit to the Center for Architecture (see “Congresswoman Maloney Talks Transit,” by Linda G. Miller, in this issue), there has been recent activity at the state and national level. AIANYS is gearing up for Lobby Day 2010 on 04.20. AIANY will be represented in Albany by Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA; AIANY’s new Policy Director, Jay Bond; AIANY President Tony Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA; President-elect Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, and Margery Perlmutter, AIA, Director for Legislative Affairs.

On a national level, AIA celebrated the adoption of changes in the retainage rule for architects and engineers. Previously, 10% of a fee on federal projects could be held until the project was complete and deemed satisfactory. With the new rule, the retainage is discretionary, and “should not be held over beyond the satisfactory completion of the instant contract.”

In other AIA legislative news, since the Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference in February, Congress has made progress on two of the five items on AIA’s Legislative Blueprint. (http://www.aia.org/advocacy/federal/AIAB081324). Both the House and Senate have passed legislation on small business lending provisions and infrastructure/community building, and the two bodies are working out the differences in their laws. AIA has also set up a website explaining the recent health care legislation and its impact on the profession: http://www.aia.org/advocacy/federal/AIAB082567.

Materials Library Survey needs your input

Building & Design Resources, a group of resource consultants for architects, interior designers, and related professionals, is conducting a survey in conjunction with the Boston Society of Architects to answer questions about the value of physical libraries vs. accessing information on the web. To take the survey (which will take five to10 minutes) click here. Results will be published in the BSA newsletter and also be made available to AIANY.