House Passes Stimulus Bill with Key Provisions of AIA’s Rebuild and Renew Plan
On January 28, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an $816 billion economic stimulus bill that includes several provisions from the AIA’s Rebuild and Renew campaign. “The inclusion of many of the AIA’s priorities into the bill is the direct result of sustained advocacy by the AIA and its members who have sent thousands of messages to their House representatives in support of the plan,” says AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which will debate a slightly different version next week in advance of President Obama’s desire to sign it into law by February 13.

Eight Receive Young Architects Award
The AIA congratulates the eight recipients of the 2009 Young Architects Awards. This special honor is bestowed upon professionals licensed 10 years or fewer (regardless of their age) who have shown exceptional leadership and make significant contributions to the profession early in their careers.

New for 2009: CES Credits Via AIA’s Peer Review Web Site
Try it today at no cost and earn one sustainable design, HSW Learning Unit
In 2009, AIA members still will be required to earn 18 continuing education credits, with 8 of the 18 qualifying for health, safety, and welfare (HSW) credit, as usual. What is different is that 4 of those 8 HSW credits earned in 2009 must relate to the subject of sustainable design. To make it easier to obtain those sustainable design/HSW credits, the AIA Continuing Education team is immediately launching a Peer Review Web site, which will offer architects an opportunity to listen to podcasts or read articles on sustainable design, take an essay-based quiz, and participate in dialogue on particular topics right on a new Web site.

Grassroots Means Hill Visits and High Honors
When the AIA component presidents, presidents-elect, and executives come to the nation’s capital in the coming week, the main purpose is to lobby Congress on issues of paramount importance to community infrastructure development, energy conservation, tax abatement, and historic preservation. There is also the opportunity to interact for more effective outreach opportunities to you the member on navigating the economy and developing stronger intra- and inter-professional ties. At the same time, it is an opportunity to honor the recipients of the Institute’s highest honors, the AIA Gold Medal, AIA Firm Award, Twenty-five Year Award, and the American Architectural Foundation Keystone Award.

Heads Up! Big Changes Coming to AIA.org!
You spoke, we listened. Beginning Monday, February 2, the newly designed AIA Web site will be open to the public offering streamlined navigation, reliable search capability, and an integrated repository of tools and resources that AIA members need for practice and career development. Check it out!

It’s the Economy, Architect! The Newly Updated Career Center Might Hold Your New Job
To help AIA members through these tough economic times, the AIA has totally revamped the Institute’s online Career Center, making it easier for job seekers and employers alike to find mutually beneficial employment opportunities—through not only fulltime jobs, but also contracting possibilities and outsourcing arrangements. Job seekers in architecture and related fields may post résumés confidentially and search opportunities for free; employers now have a new range of posting opportunities and schedules and fees available. Access the Career Center from the bottom of the AIArchitect home page, the AIA home page, or here.