AIA Releases Long-Term Recovery Plan

 

The prolonged economic slump is having a far-reaching, adverse impact on the design and construction sector, which accounts for roughly 10 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product. In addition to widespread layoffs and firm closings, architecture firms are having an extremely difficult time securing financing for proposed projects.
Courtesy of Decision Theater

As architects and their firms continue to struggle through the most dismal economic climate in more than a generation, American Institute of Architects unveiled the next phase of the Rebuild and Renew plan. It focuses on the business needs of architects and other small business owners for both short- and long-term economic recovery. AIA Board Member Mickey Jacob, FAIA, testified about the plan before the House of Representatives Small Business Committee and spoke on the need to pursue policies to loosen the ever-tightening credit markets.

“Small business does not want a bailout,” Jacob noted in his testimony. “We want access to loans to bridge the economic downturn to help fund operational costs. We want relief from the premium costs of health insurance. We want incentives for people to build, buy and renovate their homes and businesses. We want the availability of grants that assist in the acquisition and implementation of new technologies to keep small business competitive in the world wide marketplace. These are investments in the future of the country.”

– Courtesy of AIA