Rep. Kay Granger (R-Tex.), joined AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Norman L. Koonce, FAIA, at the AIA headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 2 to discuss issues of mutual importance, such as brownfields legislation.

The evening event drew together representatives of eight associations representing the design, construction, and real estate professions to exchange information and insight with Granger and two of her legislative staff.

Granger and Koonce spoke at length about the first 100 days of the Bush Administration. She also expressed strong support for legislation that is making development of brownfields—former industrial sites that may be contaminated and often sit on prime real estate—less risky and more feasible.

Granger, who was mayor of Ft. Worth before constituents elected her to Congress, has close ties to the Bush Administration. She emphasized the positive contributions the president has made already to the political processes in Washington. President Bush is a charming and focused individual, she said.

The reception and dinner at the AIA headquarters is the largest fundraising event hosted to date by ArchiPAC, the AIA's political action committee. By bringing together lobbyists from related organizations, ArchiPAC is able to capture the attention of key legislators, focus the discussion on issues of importance to AIA members, and develop better-informed and stronger positive impressions on legislation affecting architects, their clients, and the public.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.