AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
September 30, 2025

AIA|LA & LADBS: A Roadmap for Improving Los Angeles Development Services

On Monday, September 22, the AIA Los Angeles (AIA|LA) hosted a roundtable discussion with LADBS General Manager Osama Younan. While the conversation covered specific topics—including the transfer of zoning plan check to City Planning (LACP), new pilot programs, and challenges with Palisades fire rebuilds—a larger, more critical theme emerged: Los Angeles’s development services are fundamentally hampered by a lack of centralized authority and inter-departmental coordination.

Architects and developers are not primarily challenged by LADBS plan check, but by the labyrinth of clearances required from a dozen other siloed City departments, each with its own rules, timelines, and interpretations. This lack of a single point of accountability results in project delays, inconsistent directives, and failed initiatives like the architect self-certification program.

To create a functional, predictable, and efficient development environment, AIA|LA proposes a two-pronged approach: a crucial structural reform at the Mayoral level, supported by specific, tactical improvements within and between departments.

Overarching Recommendation: Reinstate a Deputy Mayor for Development Services

The single most impactful step the City can take is to create a position within the Mayor’s office—a “Development Services Czar”—with the authority to oversee and compel coordination among all 12 departments that impact development. This role is not just to oversee LADBS and LACP, but to resolve conflicts, enforce consistency, and hold departments like BOE, LADOT, LASAN, LADWP, and LAFD accountable. As successfully demonstrated with the ARO program under Mayor Hahn, a third-party entity with Mayoral authority is the only proven mechanism to break down departmental silos and drive meaningful reform.

Recommended Next Steps & Program Reforms

The following steps address the immediate operational challenges discussed and will be far more effective under the guidance of a new, empowered Deputy Mayor.

1. Establish a Formal Pre-Launch Consultation Protocol

New City initiatives consistently fail because they are designed in a vacuum without practitioner input. The City must formalize a process that brings architects, engineers, and other technical experts into the development of pilot programs at the earliest conceptual stage. This proactive collaboration would prevent the launch of unworkable programs like the current Standard Plan Pilot.

2. Overhaul the Architect Self-Certification Process

The current pilot program is failing because its “upside”—streamlining only the LADBS portion of a project—is negligible compared to the delays caused by other departments. To fix this, the City should:

  • Refocus the Program: Target the program on tenant improvement (T/I) projects that don’t alter structural systems or life-safety measures.
  • Provide Real Benefits: Exempt qualifying T/I projects from needing clearances from the full slate of City departments. These are existing buildings after all.
  • Remove Barriers to Entry: Eliminate the burdensome ICC testing requirement, trusting a professional’s license and a simple affidavit of responsibility. The City should model its program on the more successful LA County Self-Certification Pilot Program.

3. Reform the Standard Plan Pilot Program for Practical Use

To make this program viable, it must be redesigned based on how architects actually work.

  • Adopt a “Halfway Mark” Approach: Collaborate with AIA|LA to create pre-checked structural and engineering cores, allowing architects to customize site-specific elements like foundations.
  • Create a Logical On-Ramp: Allow architects to add a design to the pre-approved catalog only after it has been successfully permitted for a real-world project. This ensures the plans are proven and reduces upfront risk.
  • Clarify the Business Model: Develop clear contractual guidelines for licensing fees, liability, and risk for plans included in the catalog.

4. Create a Centralized “Fire Rebuild” Task Force

Palisades fire victims require a consolidated, high-priority path to recovery. The City should immediately create a dedicated task force or a specialized counter service with the clear mandate to:

  • Publish the enhanced information bulletin.
  • Make soil reports and state-approved manufactured home lists easily accessible online.
  • Finalize and implement the exemption from bonds and self-certification for compaction reports.

5. Formalize Inter-Departmental Coordination & Consistency

While awaiting the appointment of a “Development Czar,” the City must take immediate steps to address departmental conflicts.

  • Establish a Mandated Forum: Expand the existing quarterly meetings to include decision-makers from LADBS, LACP, LADWP, LAFD, and BOE.
  • Resolve Inconsistencies: Use this forum to resolve conflicting code interpretations, such as the multiple different ways departments currently measure building height.
  • Publish AMMRs: Follow the lead of cities like Portland and publish a database of all approved Alternate Means and Methods of Compliance (AMMRs) to create predictability and integrate proven solutions into future code updates.

6. Enhance Public Information Portals & Communication

Access to information and plan check status remains opaque. LADBS must address both digital and physical accessibility.

  • Fix the “Black Hole”: Revamp the online portal to provide direct lines of communication with plan checkers and clear status updates.
  • Improve the Website: Create dedicated, easy-to-find sections for prefabricated homes and fire rebuilds, with all necessary forms, bulletins, and state resources.
  • Staff the Front Lines: Address the critical lack of available staff at public counters. The public and applicants must have access to knowledgeable personnel for guidance and assistance, as was the standard in the past.

If you have other specific ideas for how the City of Los Angeles can improve their development services, please write to share your ideas so we can integrate them into a more comprehensive set of recommendations.  Likewise, if you have any comments or reactions to the above, please connect with us so that we can continue to revise and refine our advocacy efforts.

For more information, please contact:

Will Wright – Director, Government & Public Affairs, AIA Los Angeles // will{@}aialosangeles.org


LA’s Past, Present, and Future: Why SB 79 is a Necessary Step in Embracing Change

Last week, we published a call to action to encourage Governor Newsom to sign SB 79 into law. (He still has until October 12th to either sign or veto the legislation).

In response to that effort, we received some critical feedback—sharing concerns about SB 79’s potential negative impacts:

“If not vetoed and if implemented, SB 79 will lead to the ruination of many historic districts throughout the state. Architecture be damned.”

“If SB 79 goes ahead, it will be the end of well-planned cities… The built environment will be uglier than ever.”

“That is so correct. It was sponsored by Wall Street investors and big real estate interests (disguising themselves as progressive “YIMBYs”)… Only money.”

Larchmont Buzz also published a well-written article by Patricia Lombard: Mapping the Potential Impact of SB 79

In response to those concerns, I’m including my personal thoughts.

The Unrelenting Tension of LA Development

At the end of the day, it’s about where LA has been, where it is now, and what its future will be.

I just finished reading “Eternity Street,” which I highly recommend—a deeply poignant if not disturbing history of LA from 1781 to the 1870’s. That inspired me to read “The Fragmented Metropolis,” which in turn inspired me to now read “Nothing Like It in the World,” which is the history of the construction of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad.

What I find fascinating about our region’s history is just how often we’re experiencing similar patterns repeating themselves as they relate to development, land use, historic character, and the unrelenting tension between the public and private sectors.

What I find obvious about LA at the present moment: it’s failing us all. Arguably, it’s probably never been this bad before. I see similarities between today’s LA and NYC of the 70’s. LA is falling apart, and we need to renegotiate the public realm. We need to redefine what we expect the private sector to accomplish and what we expect the public sector to achieve.

We have an innumerable combination of futures to strive for. Do we repeat the past hundred years again? Do we sacrifice functionality for sentimentality? Do we allow for our next iteration of ‘stranded assets’ to strangle our already diminished prosperity? Our multi-billion dollar transit lines risk becoming a stranded asset if we fail to allow the density necessary for ridership and economic vitality.

SB 79: Separating Fact from Fear

Personally, I remain optimistic. I love LA’s historic remnants and respect the scarce fragments that are still here for us to enjoy. Angeleno Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods.

However, I don’t buy into the argument that upzoning parcels adjacent to transit stations is going to permanently damage the historic character of Los Angeles.

First of all, if you read SB 79 carefully, you’ll see that development will be equally difficult to achieve with SB 79 as it is today (without SB 79). SB 9 was a similar overt ‘concern’ that has never truly materialized into anything of substance. Why? Because it’s nearly impossible for most projects to be financially feasible. It’s nearly impossible to overcome all of the other complexities imposed upon us by the zoning and building codes.

But the fear-mongering also ignores key protections:

  • Historic Protection: SB 79 includes explicit anti-displacement and anti-demolition provisions, prohibiting projects from requiring the demolition of occupied multi-family housing or most rent-controlled units. Furthermore, local jurisdictions can utilize implementation deferrals in areas with designated historic resources, allowing us to safeguard specific landmarks.
  • Affordability: The bill mandates a minimum affordability standard and provides incentives for deeper affordable unit counts, directly countering the claim that it’s all “luxury micro-units.”
  • Financial Feasibility: Sure, a few parcels will be developed and will see some additional housing units built. But probably not all that many more than what could have been achieved with CHIP alone, or any other statewide density bonus, etc. Which, in my opinion, is all delivering a sub-rate housing ‘product’.

The Path Forward: All of the Above

What’s the answer? In my strong opinion, try an “all of the above” approach. Embrace change. Respect the past. In fact, celebrate it! Learn from it. And find a way through whatever means available to dignify the present day.

We’re all struggling, and as taxpayers, we’re all overextended. The only option I see us embracing is identifying the most effective way to attract more investment, especially from the private sector. Allow the risk/ reward to be more equally balanced so that capital begins to flow into the Los Angeles region again.

This isn’t just about housing; it’s about climate resiliency. We’ve invested billions into our public transit system, and as cars and trucks continue to be a massive source of climate pollution, allowing housing near transit is the most fiscally and environmentally responsible action we can take.

We can either make housing easier to build, or we’re simply going to be overrun with data centers and public storage warehouses.

P.S. My original posting was in response to the many concerns I’ve heard that SB 79 diminishes local control. An excellent argument about that concern has been authored by a prominent & deeply respected writer for CalMatters:

Capitol housing reform wrongly targets the sacred power to shape California locally By Jim Newton

However, my rebuttal to that is that we’ve had plenty of local control! It’s local control that helps decide the placement of the transit stations in the first place, and it’s local control that, for decades, has failed to match those transit investments with housing, leaving us with a crisis.

Additional Resources for Reference:

L.A. City Planning’s SB 79 Maps: You can check the potential local impact of the bill on the Los Angeles City Planning website.

Bill Fact Sheet (Proponent View): For a detailed look at the bill’s provisions, including affordability, displacement, and labor standards, see the California YIMBY fact sheet.

The YouTube video discusses SB 79 and its potential impact on California communities. California Housing Bill That Allows 6-Story Building in Residential Neighborhood Near Transit


The AIA|LA Immigration Summit: The Economic & Creative ROI of Immigrants in Los Angeles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIA|LA TO HOST IMMIGRATION SUMMIT: EXPLORING THE ECONOMIC AND CREATIVE IMPACT OF IMMIGRANTS IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES, CA — The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles (AIA|LA) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Immigration Summit, a vital think tank event set for Friday, October 17, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Center for Communities (4450 West Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016). This pivotal summit will officially bring together leading voices from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, academia, and government to explore the profound and often understated contributions of immigrants to the economic and creative vitality of our city and profession.

 

Understanding the ROI of Immigrants

This event will feature compelling keynotes and discussions that illuminate the significant economic return on investment (ROI) of immigrants in California. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how immigrants are a core part of the state’s economic framework, driving growth and innovation.

 

Key insights will include:

  • The Power of International Students: We’ll explore how our academic institutions serve as a “knowledge factory,” with international students contributing $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023-2024 and supporting over 378,000 jobs.
  • AEC Industry Reliance: The summit will highlight how the construction industry, which relies heavily on immigrant labor, would face a nearly 16% GDP contraction without this essential workforce.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Attendees will learn that undocumented immigrants have a higher labor force participation rate (over 72%) than native-born Californians and own almost 11% of the state’s small businesses.

 

Building an Innovative and Resilient Los Angeles

The summit is designed to move beyond dehumanizing terminology and celebrate the creative outcomes that a diverse workforce brings to the AEC industry. It will feature two key panel discussions:

  • Panel 1: The Value of International Students in Higher Education will feature leaders such as Dean Brett Steele of the USC School of Architecture and Dean Heather Flood of Woodbury University, highlighting how international students, particularly those in STEM fields, drive innovation and global competitiveness.
  • Panel 2: Immigration, Skilled Labor, and Creative Outcomes in the AEC Industry will bring together experts like Alfred Fraijo Jr. of Somos Group and Thai Nguyen of PCL Construction to discuss how a rich blend of perspectives and experiences—built on courage and resilience—enhances creative solutions and secures our collective prosperity.

 

Join the Conversation

This event is a unique opportunity to engage in a forward-looking dialogue that will redefine our understanding of immigration’s role in design and beyond. Attendees will not only gain critical knowledge but also identify proactive ways to support this vital workforce, especially in a time of rebuilding and preparation for upcoming global sporting events.

Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA, Executive Director of AIA Los Angeles, will offer a welcome, while a roster of distinguished speakers, including Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, and Assemblymember Hon. Sade Elharaway, will deliver keynotes.

RSVP: Registration and detailed program information can be found HERE.

CONTACT: Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA – Director, Government & Public Affairs, AIA Los Angeles // will[@]aialosangeles.org

About AIA|LA: The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles (AIA|LA), is the voice of the architecture profession in Los Angeles, dedicated to promoting the value of architecture and design through leadership, advocacy, and education.


FROM AIA CALIFORNIA

AIA CA Legislator of the Year Nominations are Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 AIA CA Legislator of the Year. You can submit your nomination VIA THIS FORM HERE:

We encourage you to nominate a California State Senator or Assembly Member who aligns with AIA CA’s priority issues or has demonstrated an active connection with our organization. Please submit your nominations by October 10th.

Each year, new laws are passed, regulations are written, and building codes are amended, directly impacting how architects operate in California. The AIA California Government Relations Program serves as the voice of the architectural profession in the State Capitol. Part of this mission is to proactively build strong relationships with legislators.

The “Legislator of the Year” award provides an important opportunity for architects to ensure their voices are heard by recognizing a legislator who has championed causes significant to the profession. It allows us to express gratitude, highlight their good work, and raise the visibility of AIA CA, while also giving back to the legislators who support us, rather than solely making requests.

Thank you for your continued efforts in supporting our advocacy program.

2026 AIA CA Advocacy Survey: Your Voice, Your Advocacy, Our Success

Advocacy is central to shaping the future of architecture and ensuring the profession’s needs and values are heard.

The American Institute of Architects California has a strong track record of advocacy victories, including successes in protecting architectural copyrights, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, promoting climate action in the built environment, fostering more livable communities, and developing policies that address California’s housing crisis. Read more about these victories here (https://aiacalifornia.org/advocate/winning-record/).

By participating in the annual AIA CA Advocacy Survey, members contribute directly to these efforts, ensuring the voice of the profession remains strong. Your insights can inspire the next major success.
Share your perspective—your ideas can shape the next big victory.

We want to hear from you! Become an advocate—your ideas can make a difference! We’d appreciate your feedback by Friday, October 10, 2025. Please also share with other AIA members in your networks. Your participation makes it possible for AIA CA to advance an advocacy agenda that benefits architects and our communities.

Complete the SURVEY HERE.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Terrell – Director of Government Relations, AIA California

Email:  Scott Terrell 

 


Shape LA’s Future: Join the 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series!

Connect directly with the civic leaders transforming Los Angeles.

The AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series offers a unique opportunity for architects, designers, and community stakeholders to engage in intimate roundtable discussions with key decision-makers. Share innovative ideas to foster a healthy, sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and economically prosperous future for all.

Why Attend?

  • Direct Engagement: Meet and converse with top civic leaders shaping our built and natural environment.
  • Influence & Impact: Contribute your insights on critical issues like economic development, climate, urban design, and land-use policy.
  • Networking: Connect with peers and leaders in a collaborative, inspiring setting.

Upcoming Breakfast Receptions:

October 2025

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Please make plans to attend one (or more) of these inspirational receptions!


ADVANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE

On behalf of the AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee, we are reaching out to solicit feedback from members and stakeholders with direct experience converting existing office buildings into housing.

Our request is two-fold:

AB 529 Working Group Input – As the AB 529 Working Group nears its conclusion, we are concerned it may not do enough to remove key barriers in the building code. We want to ensure your experiences and perspectives are represented in the public comment process.

Exploring State Legislation – We are also in early discussions with Assemblymember Gonzalez about the potential for a bill modeled after AB 2910. This would provide a mechanism to evaluate and address both local (City of Los Angeles) and state code provisions that create barriers to adaptive reuse housing.

As a valued AIA|LA member, we ask that you share your top three to five code-related barriers that have created undue financial hardship in adaptive reuse projects. Addressing these barriers could unlock more affordable housing opportunities while preserving commercial real estate value.

By way of example, our committee has identified issues such as:

  • Gurney elevator requirements
  • Redundant fire pump requirements
  • Change-of-use seismic triggers
  • Other provisions that can render office-to-housing projects financially infeasible

Your response can be as brief or detailed as you like. Our goal is to gather feedback from the AIA|LA community, prioritize the most impactful barriers, and present a focused set of proposed code revisions—ideally no more than ten—to Assemblymember Gonzalez and other decision-makers.

Please reply by 9/19/2025 we can incorporate your input into our recommendations.  Please email your input to will{@}aialosangeles.org with “Adaptive Reuse” in the subject line.

Thank you in advance for your feedback and for supporting this important effort.

Link to AB 529:  Adaptive Reuse Working Group and Report (AB 529 (Chapter 743, Statutes of 2023)) | California Department of Housing and Community Development

Link to (Vetoed on 09/22/24) AB 2901:  Bill Text – AB-2910 State Housing Law: City of Los Angeles: conversion of nonresidential buildings.


> AIA CA Collective Action for Wildfire Recovery

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

This year, we will be coordinating thirty-one virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.

Oct 7 (10am)

Oct 14 (10am)

Oct 21 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

Design Review Sessions w/ LACP Urban Design Studio 2025

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

 

 


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org