Billings Take a Tumble in February
Commercial/industrial specializations particularly hard hit
Jennifer Riskus manager, economics research, tells us that the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) fell dramatically this month to its lowest score in more than six years. Weakness persisted in most regions of the country, and firms with a commercial/industrial specialization were particularly hard hit. More firms reported that employee turnover decreased than increased, due in part to the ongoing economic uncertainty.

The New IRS Form 990
What do AIA components need to know?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally requires organizations exempt from tax under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to file an annual tax return on IRS Form 990, writes AIA Associate General Counsel Terrence Canela, Esq. After a period of significant revision to the Form 990, as well as a period of input and feedback from the public, the nonprofit community, and the various states, the IRS released the new 2008 Form 990 in December 2007. The changes are substantial. Designed to underscore the principles of enhancing transparency, promoting tax compliance, and minimizing the burden on the filing organization, the 2008 Form 990 requires organizations to provide greater breadth and depth of detail into their operations.

Taking Care of Business
Letters to the Editor
We have lots of letters this week. Architecture California editor Tim Culverhouse, FAIA, extends proper credit to Miltiades Mandros, John Gusto, and Justin Drews for their roles in restoring a Neutra House in Los Altos. Three readers really don’t like NCARB’s proposed “Six Month Rule.” We also have some questions and clarifications regarding the 19 Housing Awards recipients, as well as opinions on the cost of AIA Contract Documents Webinars and a characterization of Soviet Russia. Keep those cards and letters coming!

kiplinger connection
The Economy • Human Resources• The World
Housing Woes: Plans for improvement are in the works, with many challenges.
Banking Industry: Small solace: things have been worse.
Retail: Some trends could spell design opportunities.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER
Don’t Lose Your AIA Connection: Renew Your Membership by March 31
If you haven’t yet paid your AIA dues, you can do it the easy way—online. You can review your invoice, update your membership profile, and submit credit-card payment for 2008 renewal dues. Visit www.aia.org and click “Renew Your Membership” in the left-hand column. It’s that easy—thousands of AIA members already have done it. Questions? Send an e-mail to AIA Information Central or call 800-242-3837. (If you want to pay your dues by mail, you can log in and download your renewal form.)