2.4 min readPublished On: January 14, 2025Categories: Advocacy, Climate Action, News

 

A Message from AIA California

The devastation that’s occurred in our communities is heartbreaking. During these challenging times, we want all AIA members to know that you are not alone – we stand with those affected and are here to offer our support however we can. There are many humanitarian relief and disaster response efforts underway, but we are focusing on how our community can continue to support the design and delivery of the built environment.

Direct Financial Assistance

Many of our colleagues and friends left their homes with little. Daily life items that we take for granted are gone.

We can help replace basic goods so they can focus on securing housing, dealing with insurance, situating children in school, and, in some cases, finding new transportation.

To contribute direct financial assistance to members and communities in need: click here.

Temporary Office Space

While family, friends, and aid agencies are providing temporary shelter, we can support each other by providing temporary office space for firms who have either lost offices physically, or, having been displaced, are far from their existing offices.

AIA California is identifying available office space and matching it with members in need.

·    Be Matched with Temporary Office Space or Request Financial Assistance, let us  know here

·    Offer Temporary Office Space, click here

Advocacy

And while the immediate response efforts are underway, the AIA in California is coordinating across the region when the rebuilding efforts begin. Click here if you would like to join an advocacy group to streamline permitting and/or regulatory reform.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Other Pertinent Information

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Issues Executive Order on Rebuilding – issued January 13, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsome Issues Executive Order to Suspend Permitting and Review Requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act – issued January 12, 2025

A Designer’s Guide to Navigating FEMA Programs – Live webinar Jan. 16, 3pm EST

Articles and Links:
The AIACA and local LA area AIA Chapters are coordinating fire aftermath resources and assistance through the AIA Disaster Assistance Program. Other resources offered up by the USGBC CA include:

Financial Aid Assistance / Donate- AIA CA Architectural Foundation
AIA CA- Receive: Assistance for Architects Displaced by LA-Region Fires
Articles:
The Architect’s Newsletter So Cal Wildfires Bring Climate Change Closer to Home
In Pacific Palisades and Malibu, some houses with fire-resistant designs remained standing

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