I met AIA-MN Executive Director Beverly Hauschild-Baron at the Minnesota History Center (www.mnhs.org/historycenter) for a luncheon sponsored by the The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) on behalf of the National Apartment Association (www.NAAHQ.org).
“NAA serves the interests of multifamily housing owners, managers, developers and suppliers, and promotes a high level of professionalism in the multifamily housing industry to better serve the rental housing needs of the public.”NAA is promoting a “Balanced Housing Policy” with the following key messages:
- Home ownership is not the right housing choice for all households at all points in their lives
- A diverse nation calls for diverse housing choices: a functioning ownership market and a vibrant rental market, with an adequate supply of affordable housing
- Our government has an opportunity now to rethink our current “homeownership at any cost” housing policy – and should act deliberately and cautiously to avoid unintended consequences – primarily a full blown credit crisis
Along with the National Multi Housing Council (www.nmhc.org), the NAA has issued a seven bullet policy statement:
- America Needs Apartments
- Homeownership Does Not Always Make Financial Sense
- Apartments Are A Preferred Lifestyle Choice For Many
- Apartments Are A “Green” Solution
- Apartments Are The Smart Affordable Housing Solution
- Apartments Are A national Resource
- American Wants Apartments
More information can be found at: (www.nmhc.org/Content/PressRoom)
Dennis Hastert, former Republican Speaker of the House was the guest speaker. He discussed several of the issues raised in the policy statements – tax policy and sustainability were among the most significant. In response to my question about what role Architects can play in better design of apartment communities he responded by saying, “Architects are at the forefront of making buildings more green and life more livable.” He went on to say that the Department of Energy, architects, and constructors should work together to identify best practices and create regulations that benefit the all of those involved in housing – renters and developers alike.
2:30: Begin writing the blog article, doing a little research on the NAA and NMHC websites. Incredible amount of information available once you start to dig around.
5:00: Back to the convention center, where I bumped into a couple of Minnesota mayors outside the US Conference of Mayors suite. They invited me to visit another suite with them, so off we went. While there, I met John Stanton, Executive Vice President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (www.seia.org). Along with a general discussion about the growing use of various solar technologies, we had a focused discussion regarding the debate in Congress over the extension of tax credits. John is very concerned that Congress will not act in time to save the momentum that has developed for solar power, and serious job loss will be a result. This would be a big blow to the solar industry (wind, too). In an August 26th article in USA Today, reporter Paul Davidson writes, “Extension of the tax credits has wide support in Congress, but the issue has bogged down in partisan battles. Senate Democrats insist the subsidies — costing the Treasury at least $1.7 billion a year — be offset with new revenue, while Republicans insist on an energy package that includes offshore oil drilling. Energy consultant Stow Walker expects the credits to be extended, but Congress plans to adjourn in early October, leaving just weeks to decide. “The full article can be found at: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-08-25-alternative-energy-tax-credits_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip Now is a good time to contact your representatives about your views.
7:00: The convention session starts. The theme of the early speeches, including President Bush’s speech by video feed was one of Service. President Bush even used the phrase, “Service Above Self.” Many of you know that “Service Above Self” is the motto of Rotary, an international service organization of business leaders (www.rotary.org). OK, so I am plugging a great organization!
I couldn’t help but think about the extraordinary opportunities for architects to be leaders, and how well suited we are to use our training and experience in problem solving for the benefit of our communities. Our AIA President, Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA, challenges us in his video message, “Being the leader you are meant to be,” by saying, “Leading by example is, in fact, the best resource we’ve got to take on the challenges facing our professions and planet.” Link for the full message: http://www.aia150.org/flash/leadership/ What can you do to make an impact in your community? Go for it!
10:00: Session ends.
Nick Ruehl, AIA
Nick is an advisor and resource to high-performing companies (and those striving to be) in strategic planning, business development and team building. He is an architect, and has been in business for 37 years. Nick is also the Mayor of Excelsior, MN. He can be contacted at nruehl@mchsi.com