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AIA Wisconsin and its members advocate for architects, the profession, and the built environment.
Advocating for the profession of architecture is a focus of AIA Wisconsin. By working together, members are more effective in influencing public policies with a direct impact on the practice of architecture as well as advancing initiatives to improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
AIA Wisconsin leaders develop a State Legislative Agenda for each session of the Wisconsin Legislature to highlight public policy issues of interest to architects. This agenda outlines AIA Wisconsin’s position on proposals related to economic development, tax policy, professional liability, procurement, public facilities, historic buildings, licensing, building codes, disaster preparedness, and more.
Many AIA Wisconsin members are active as “citizen architects.” As professionally trained problem-solvers, architects work collaboratively with public officials to enhance their communities by design and serve as trusted advisors on emerging policy issues.
AIA Wisconsin members also encourage the election of candidates for state office who understand and support the goals of the profession. This is accomplished through voluntary individual contributions to the Wisconsin Society of Architects/PAC.
What is a PAC?
A PAC, (Political Action Committee), is an organization that supports the election of candidates for political office, usually through political donations. It is a vehicle through which our members can participate in the electoral process and support candidates for state office who are aligned with our legislative and regulatory agenda.
Political Process is in Our Best Interest
Public policy decisions by the people we elect are critical to our future. Significant changes in public policy can often be decided by one vote. By supporting legislators who understand the unique concerns of our profession, we ensure that our voice will be heard.
Why Your Support Matters
Active involvement is critical to promote good governance. This is especially true for organizations with a vested interest in regulatory and legislative polices. Without active participation in the political process, decisions affecting the future of our profession will be influenced by activist groups and others who represent interests directly opposed to our own.
Your voluntary contribution helps ensure that the PAC can help create a positive political climate for architects.
Sitting On The Sidelines Is Not An Option For Us
This past session, legislation that would have been detrimental to our profession passed the Wisconsin State Senate by a vote of 33-0. This legislation would have had a serious and long-lasting impact on architects throughout Wisconsin. We successfully stopped the legislation in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Unfortunately, there will more attacks on our profession in the future.
If false narratives are allowed to go unchallenged, Legislators from both sides of the aisle will be left with a negative impression and are more apt to impose unnecessary regulatory burdens on our profession.
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Steve Lyons
Founder, SJL Government Affairs & Communications
Steve has 30 years of experience in government affairs, communications and public relations, and crisis communications.
Steve has served as:
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Lisa Kennedy, FAIA
Executive Director of AIA Wisconsin
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Mark Austinson
SJL Government Affairs & Communications
Mark Austinson has vast experience in State Government, including 12 years in the State Assembly. Mark served as Chief of Staff for the former Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Dan Knodl. Mark also served as the Chief of Staff for State Representative Shannon Zimmerman, a member of the powerful Joint Committee on Finance (Budget) Committee.
Mark has served as:
Q&A
We Are Asking for Your Help
Our goal this election cycle is to raise $2,500 for our Political Action Committee. We have a number of commitments toward our goal -– but we need your help!
WSA/PAC allows us to help elect candidates to state office who will champion issues critical to our ability to remain competitive in today’s global economy.
Your donations will go a long way toward ensuring that our profession’s voice is heard throughout the campaign season and into the next Legislative Session.
Thank you for considering being a part of this important mission!
