September 14, 2000

Wall Street Journal
Attention: Sheila Muto
100 California St., Suite 725
San Francisco, CA 94111

Hi Sheila,

Architects from northern California are at it again!

You know from your experience last year with the East Palo Alto event what the AIA charrette/RUDAT process is all about. While that particular story didn't lead to a story in the Journal, I've just learned about a larger, even more impressive event taking place in San Mateo County in early November. Perhaps this will be The One that pushes this story concept over the top.

Instead of trying to describe it all here, I'm attaching a piece prepared by my colleagues in California that outlines, very specifically, the ins-and-outs of Housing the Next One Million—A Study in Land Use, Transportation and Housing. I hope you can set aside a few minutes in your day to read through the details.

With three local AIA chapters, 4–6 teams per chapter, and eight members per team, there could realistically be well over 100 architects, planners, and civil/transportation engineers involved in the event. "Livability" issues continue to be near the top of America's social and political radar screen, Sheila, and I think activities such as those in northern California offer additional evidence to the notion that architects and the design community are playing a key role in such issues around the country.

I'll plan on giving you a call about all of this today or tomorrow to gauge your interest. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at any time.

Best regards,

Mike Janes
Director, Media Relations
The American Institute of Architects
(202) 626-7467
mjanes@aia.org

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