AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Mark Gonzalez - Assemblymember, District #54, California
2025-10-09 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mithun, 758 New High Street #100B, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California
2025 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California
Assemblymember Mark González was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 and appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly to serve as Majority Whip.
González represents the 54th Assembly District — one of the most diverse districts in California. District 54 encompasses Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Westlake, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and the cities of Vernon, Montebello, and Commerce.
González is the son of a single mother and grew up in Section 8 housing — he understands the challenges working families face in trying to make ends meet. After his mother suffered a stroke two years ago, Mark became her sole caregiver — taking his mom to the grocery store, doctor appointments, and attending church with her every Sunday. In this role, he witnessed the failures of government, social programs, and the healthcare system to support vulnerable seniors adequately.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Mark served as Chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. He successfully organized support for laws to make community college free, protect our air and water, make housing more affordable, and combat the homelessness crisis.
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Mark helped lead the fight to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting a person’s right to access safe, legal abortion care — effectively turning California into a safe haven for anyone seeking reproductive care across the nation. In 2023, Mark organized to pass a new law ensuring all healthcare workers receive a minimum wage of $25/hour.
The challenges he and his family faced are at the core of his advocacy, driving him to stand up for his community and work toward ensuring that no Californian has to endure such struggles.
This Reception is Hosted By:

The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series: (CONFIRMED TO DATE)

Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County = Friday, May 9 (8am)
Laura Friedman – U.S. Congressional Representative, 30th District = Friday, August 8 (8am)
Lourdes Castro Ramírez – President & CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) = Thursday, August 21 (8am)
Leigh Sata, Ed.D, AIA – Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive, LACCD = Friday, August 22 (8am)
Adrin Nazarian – Councilmember, District #2, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, August 28 (9am)* *(9am, not 8am)
Janisse Quiñones, P.E. – Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer, LADWP = Friday, August 29 (8am)
Michael Baim – VP, Venue Infrastructure (VNI), Energy (NRG), and Look & Sign (LNS), LA 28 = Thursday, September 11 (8am)
Laura Rubio-Cornejo – General Manager, LADOT = Thursday, September 18 (8am)
Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California = Friday, September 19 (8am)
John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 16 (8am)
Sade Elharaway – Assemblymember, District #57, California = Friday, October 17 (8am)
Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 30 (8am)

2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ John L. Reamer, Jr. - Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles
2025-10-16 08:00 - 09:30 | AC Martin, 900 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2800, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles
2025 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles
John L. Reamer, Jr. has had a distinguished career in public service, beginning his tenure with the City of Los Angeles as an Electrical Craft Helper before advancing to the role of Inspector of Public Works and Director of the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) in August 2004, a position he still holds today.
As the Inspector of Public Works, Mr. Reamer plays a central role in upholding BCA’s mission to create a safe, inclusive, and transparent work environment. He ensures that public works construction projects adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality. In this capacity, he also oversees the processing of City construction payments and formally accepts work completed by private contractors under City permits or contracts. His leadership has been pivotal in the successful delivery of several landmark projects, including the Police Administration Building, the revitalization of the Sixth Street Viaduct, and vital public improvements by LA Metro, such as the Crenshaw “K” Line. These transformative projects have significantly enhanced Los Angeles’s urban landscape, aligning with the Bureau’s commitment to precision, fairness, and accountability in every build while empowering workers and promoting small business success.
As Director of BCA, Mr. Reamer has championed initiatives that protect both employees and employers in the City’s procurement process. He oversees the enforcement of Prevailing, Living, and Minimum Wage laws and administers key ordinances like the Fair Work Week. Under his leadership, BCA has negotiated 99% of the Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) used by City departments, including the first-ever PLA implemented by LA Metro. These agreements have helped ensure that public construction projects meet safety and labor standards while providing fair compensation to workers, many of whom come from underserved neighborhoods. This focus on workforce participation has fostered community development, with the benefits of these City-funded projects reaching the very communities that have contributed to their success.
Mr. Reamer serves as the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer. He is deeply committed to promoting diversity and opportunity for small businesses through initiatives such as the Business Inclusion Program (BIP) and the Local Business Preference Program (LBPP), both managed by BCA. These programs provide small, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and local businesses with greater access to City contracting opportunities. They foster economic equity, fair competition, and the growth of local businesses, which contribute to job creation and innovation. By empowering businesses to scale and compete, BCA helps create a cycle of social impact as successful businesses reinvest in their communities, strengthening the City’s economic fabric.
In 2019, Mr. Reamer’s expertise in both economic growth and workforce development led to his appointment by the Mayor of Los Angeles as Interim General Manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department. In this role, he spearheaded the creation of a Citywide Economic Development Strategy that laid the groundwork for a Small Business Commission. He worked closely with the Workforce Development Board to enhance opportunities for transitional and youth workers, advancing the City’s economic and workforce development initiatives. His efforts to coordinate with Business and Work Source Centers complemented his commitment to a regionalized, citywide approach to economic growth.
Under Mr. Reamer’s leadership, BCA has grown into a pivotal force in overseeing and executing critical City projects, such as street repairs, municipal facility construction, and investments in the City’s wastewater treatment systems. His commitment to excellence extends beyond compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as he has fostered an environment that supports local businesses and champions equitable hiring practices. With Mr. Reamer at the helm, BCA’s focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and high standards in public spending has allowed the Bureau to collaborate effectively with other City departments—meeting Los Angeles’s infrastructure needs while advancing the City’s goals of quality, fairness, and economic security.
This Reception is Hosted By:

The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series: (CONFIRMED TO DATE)

Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County = Friday, May 9 (8am)
Laura Friedman – U.S. Congressional Representative, 30th District = Friday, August 8 (8am)
Lourdes Castro Ramírez – President & CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) = Thursday, August 21 (8am)
Leigh Sata, Ed.D, AIA – Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive, LACCD = Friday, August 22 (8am)
Adrin Nazarian – Councilmember, District #2, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, August 28 (9am)* *(9am, not 8am)
Janisse Quiñones, P.E. – Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer, LADWP = Friday, August 29 (8am)
Michael Baim – VP, Venue Infrastructure (VNI), Energy (NRG), and Look & Sign (LNS), LA 28 = Thursday, September 11 (8am)
Laura Rubio-Cornejo – General Manager, LADOT = Thursday, September 18 (8am)
Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California = Friday, September 19 (8am)
John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 16 (8am)
Sade Elharaway – Assemblymember, District #57, California = Friday, October 17 (8am)
Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 30 (8am)

2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ysabel Jurado - Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles
2025-10-30 08:00 - 09:30 | AUX ARCHITECTURE, 910 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, 90015, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles
2025 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado is a former tenants rights attorney, affordable housing activist, single mom, and daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants. Born and raised in Highland Park, she attended Pasadena City College and put herself through college at UCLA, where she completed her bachelor’s degree. After graduating, she went on to UCLA School of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctorate with specializations in Critical Race Studies and the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy.
As a former housing rights attorney, Ysabel fought to stop tenant evictions and stood side by side with community organizations and small businesses that were at risk of losing their leases. Her practice has focused on building pathways to home-ownership for communities of color, the preservation of open space, and reparative justice.
She focuses on expanding affordable housing, ending homelessness, supporting small businesses, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more just economy for all.
This Reception is Hosted By:

The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series: (CONFIRMED TO DATE)

Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County = Friday, May 9 (8am)
Laura Friedman – U.S. Congressional Representative, 30th District = Friday, August 8 (8am)
Lourdes Castro Ramírez – President & CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) = Thursday, August 21 (8am)
Leigh Sata, Ed.D, AIA – Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive, LACCD = Friday, August 22 (8am)
Adrin Nazarian – Councilmember, District #2, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, August 28 (9am)* *(9am, not 8am)
Janisse Quiñones, P.E. – Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer, LADWP = Friday, August 29 (8am)
Michael Baim – VP, Venue Infrastructure (VNI), Energy (NRG), and Look & Sign (LNS), LA 28 = Thursday, September 11 (8am)
Laura Rubio-Cornejo – General Manager, LADOT = Thursday, September 18 (8am)
Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California = Friday, September 19 (8am)
John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 16 (8am)
Sade Elharaway – Assemblymember, District #57, California = Friday, October 17 (8am)
Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 30 (8am)

2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as an opportunity for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and to discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2025:
Wednesday, April 2 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Wednesday, June 4 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Wednesday, September 24 (12pm – 1:30pm) – RSVP HERE *in person. Location TBD in Downtown LA (AIA to identify host location)
Wednesday, November 5 (12pm – 1pm) – PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is being rescheduled, and we’ll have a new date/ time confirmed ASAP.
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

MORE CONTEXT:
For the past 36+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
In general, the quarterly meetings serve as forums to:
1. Build trust and understanding between LADWP personnel and the private sector (architects/ designers/ engineers).
2. Develop compassion and empathy to better understand each other’s professional priorities and implementation tactics.
3. Allow idea exchange and interaction — to learn from each other and to test out new methods and performance standards.
4. Establish greater context for how environmental justice, shade equity, climate mitigation, urban heat island, tree canopy, building decarbonization, housing affordability, 100% electrification, on-site generation, and urban design are all inter-related (and therefore require a more connected partnership between LADWP and the architecture community implementing the infrastructure framework to address all of these inter-related challenges).
5. Expedite and streamline LADPW’s development services.
More specifically, the quarterly forums allow for:
1. Improve the architects’ understanding of specific LADWP rules, regulations, standards, and procedures – and offer helpful insight on how to better improve those specific regulations and standards to achieve more optimal outcomes.
2. Create pathways to achieve greater flexibility and clarity of purpose for why certain variances and modifications are necessary, helpful, and/or mutually beneficial.
3. Identify obstacles to implementation
4. Establish pilot programs to test out new ideas and innovative solutions.
5. Establish an inventory of code-related obstacles and analyze which codes and regulations may need to be modified/ altered to achieve more effective outcomes
6. Map out strategies for how to better leverage resources
7. Prioritize changes in equipment size, models, standards, and ‘cultural habits’ that can assist in delivering positive results (healthier urban design, greater biodiversity, safer working conditions, a more beautiful and less stressful public realm, etc.)
8. Identify opportunities to leverage best practices from Southern California Edison as it relate to design standards and protocols that promote more verdant ecosystems in integration with utility infrastructure (relationship between street trees and landscaping w/ utility infrastructure, etc) and the ability to utilize alternative materials that promote a ‘greener,’ and less stressful public realm.
9. The exploration of third-party services, peer review, and self-certification, etc.
Some of the direct outcomes achieved to date include:
1. Improved staffing and processing times at BOE for utility permits
2. More permissible variances for staging areas and transformer pads, etc.
3. Streamlined processes for 100% affordable housing (ED #1)
4. Amortization of line extensions, etc
5. Deeper trust between AIA Los Angeles and LADWP leadership
In the future, as the impact of these sessions further evolves and demonstrates results, we’d like to make certain:
1. These forums serve as a model for how other LA City departments can deepen relationships with the private sector to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
2. Deepen the trust between LADWP and the citizens/ residents/ professionals/ clients it serves.
We applaud LADWP’s leadership in prioritizing the partnership between AIA Los Angeles and the utility. If LADWP’s communication team can help us communicate and celebrate the impact of these forums, the general public will benefit from a deeper understanding of how public and private partnerships can help achieve positive results for all.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Joint AIA|LA UDC & APA LA Section Community Mixer
2025-11-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Mrs. Fish, 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA, 90013, United States
Joint LA AIA UDC & APA LA Section Community Mixer
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Mrs. Fish, 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Schedule:

6:00 PM – Networking & Welcome
7:00 PM – Speaker Remarks
8:00 PM – Reception

Description:
The LA AIA Urban Design Committee (UDC), in collaboration with the APA Los Angeles Section, is proud to host the 2nd Annual Community Mixter at Mrs. Fish in Downtown Los Angeles. This year’s event will focus on mobility and community planning initiatives surrounding major events such as LA28. Short talks will be given by representatives from LA Metro and other community-based organizations.
Please note: This event does not seek sponsorship directly from LA28.
Background:
The Mixter aims to facilitate an exchange of ideas inspired by LA28’s “lasting legacy” initiative, as requested by the International Olympic Committee, which emphasizes identifying meaningful local investments beyond the Games. This aligns with the LA AIA UDC’s ongoing commitment to community planning for large-scale events shaping Los Angeles.
Building on discussions from LA AIA’s Ecompass 2023, this event continues the conversation on equitable, healthy, and inclusive outcomes that strengthen Los Angeles communities impacted by transformative urban events.
Discussion Topics:
Guests are encouraged to share brief insights on one or more of the following themes:

Mobility for Large Events
Local Initiatives
International Transit-Oriented Communities
Community Planning Concepts

This is an informal gathering—no PowerPoint or formal presentation is required.
Invited Guests Include:

Livable Communities
UCLA / International Fellow
ACLA
AIA|LA JEDI
SCAG
SoLa Impact

Parking & Transit:
AIA|LA encourages everyone to walk, bike, or ride METRO.
The AIA|LA Urban Design Committee Mission Statement
Does anyone care about urban space today? Whatever happened to visionary urban design? Where is the model for Los Angeles? Is there a model for Los Angeles? Isn’t it the architect’s job to design the city? Can we envision and support non-commercialized collective spaces? Can we be radically optimistic about the future without seeming naive? Doesn’t the term “Urban Design” sound banal, academic, and indeterminate? Why is that? Can we change that? Is there political viability for large-scale ambitious planning initiatives? How can infrastructural investment alter and improve the way the city functions? What is the new mayor going to do about homelessness, and how can we, as architects, help? Not to say anything about the policy, regulations, and red tape that govern land use, planning, and development, but if we had to say something about it, where would we even start? What about the history of redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and segregation that has produced our present urban patterns? Can architects help foster an agenda of spatial equity in the city? Can small-scale interventions be more effective than large-scale propositions in making a more liveable city? How can return on investment be measured, other than in dollars and cents? Mass Timber sounds great, but what’s the story behind the sustainability argument? How can we develop the city more sustainably? Remember all that fuss about the LA River? What’s going on there? Same question, but about the Olympics? How much impact can an individual building have on the life of a city? What are the best practices for designing housing today? How can architects best respond to the current State of Emergency? Can we, as a profession, be more proactive in proposing solutions that we want to see implemented?
The AIA|LA Urban Design Committee believes that we can, and should. Our mission is about asking questions, fostering discussions, proposing solutions, and illustrating visions for the future of Los Angeles.

AIA|LA Urban Design Committee Leadership:

Kelly Nicholas, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Associate, ZGF ARCHITECTS & Chair, AIA|LA Urban Design Committee
Kelly is a licensed architect practicing at ZGF Architects in Downtown Los Angeles. A graduate of Rice University, she has over 15 years of experience in the design and construction industry, working on a variety of project types while practicing at firms in Singapore, Texas, New York, and California. Having spent most of her adult life living in downtowns of major cities, her passion for urban density, adaptive reuse, public transit, and walkability make her an enthusiastic advocate of the Urban Design Committee and its initiatives.

Jonathan Rieke, AIA – Project Leader, West of West & Past-Chair, AIA|LA Urban Design Committee
Jonathan is a Project Leader at West of West, with experience ranging from residential interiors to large-scale ground-up development projects. He is a registered architect in California, Michigan, and Ohio and has previously worked as a designer for several award-winning firms including The Los Angeles Design Group, Bjarke Ingels Group, and Morphosis Architects. Jonathan has held academic positions at the University of Southern California, The Ohio State University, and Kent State University where he was the Schidlowski Emerging Faculty Fellow. Jonathan received his Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he was awarded the James Templeton Kelley Prize for best graduate thesis, and his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University.

Darnell Parker II, Assoc. AIA – Founder & CEO, Global Youth Camp & Vice-Chair, AIA|LA Urban Design Committee
Darnell Parker II is an experienced Design Professional II, Senior Designer, and Job Captain with more than five years of professional work experience in architecture and two years of planning. He is most passionate about helping others, particularly black and brown youth around the globe. As the former, United States Returned Peace Corps Volunteer of the Republic of Moldova, AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer at Community Housing Partners (Christiansburg, Virginia), Lieutenant Governor at Badger Boys State (Ripon, Wisconsin), President of the NOMA Student Chapter at Virginia Tech, Chairman and Director of Membership of APA Los Angeles Section, and Co-Chair of Membership of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Los Angeles, he decided to start the Global Youth Camp AEP. Darnell holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Architecture as well as a Master’s in Urban Regional Planning obtained from an accredited college at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall 2025
2025-12-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall: Connecting Architects & Designers with Civic Leadership
This year, with the exception of a few meetings, we will be meeting in person with our civic leaders at City Hall, which will help strengthen our connection to the policymakers shaping the built environment. We will also have several virtual meetings on Zoom, as well.

Shape the Future of LA’s Built Environment: Join AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall!
Your City. Your Expertise. Your Voice.
AIA|LA Legislative Day(s) at City Hall: December 4-10, 2025
Calling all Architects & Designers!
The future of Los Angeles is being shaped right now, in the halls of power, through policies that directly impact our built environment. AIA|LA Legislative Day(s) at City Hall is your unparalleled opportunity to step forward, connect directly with civic leaders, and ensure that the voice of design is not just heard, but leads the conversation.
This isn’t just a series of meetings; it’s a powerful, collective movement to advocate for smarter, more resilient, and more equitable development in our city.
Why Your Participation is Absolutely Critical:
Be the Expert Voice: Policymakers need your specialized knowledge on planning, land use, zoning, and building codes. Without you, crucial decisions are made in a vacuum.
Drive Real Change: Directly influence the policies that will define LA’s future – from urgently needed housing affordability and sustainable development to the revitalization of our civic core.
Elevate Our Profession: Demonstrate the indispensable value of architects and designers, solidifying our seat at the decision-making table and shaping the built environment with purpose.
Network & Empower: Connect with passionate peers, amplify your impact, and be part of a community actively building a better Los Angeles for everyone.
This year, we’re returning to City Hall in person, strengthening our direct connection with the policymakers who need your insights most! A few virtual meetings will also be available for flexibility.
Mandatory & Highly Recommended Orientation: Monday, December 1 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Virtual – Zoom) Join us to delve into the 2025 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform and prepare for impactful meetings. This is where you’ll gain the critical context and confidence to make your voice count. [RSVP FOR ORIENTATION HERE]
Spaces are limited – secure your spot and make your impact! Contact Will Wright at Will{@}aialosangeles.org to learn more about how you can contribute to shaping the future of our city.
Don’t just witness the future of LA being built – help design it! Join us. Your city needs you.
Together, let’s build a thriving Los Angeles for everyone!

AIA|LA Legislative Day(s) at City Hall
Our annual Legislative Day(s) at City Hall is scheduled over the course of several days from December 4 to December 10, and will be an in-person event at LA City Hall (except for a few that will be on zoom as noted below).

Monday, December 1
(4:00pm – 5:00pm) *On Zoom
The 2025 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform & Legislative Day at City Hall ORIENTATION (*mandatory & helpful)
Join this meeting to learn more about the 2025 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform and what to expect during our upcoming meetings for our annual meetings at Los Angeles City Hall.
RSVP HERE #Orientation
Thursday, December 4
(1:00 pm – 1:50pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Councilmember Ysabel Jurado – District 14
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 425
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Deputy Chief David Perez – Office of the Fire Marshal & Deputy Chief Joe Everett – Administrative Operations

Office of the Fire Marshal
200 N. Main Street, Room 1770
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

Friday, December 5

(10:00 am – 11:00 am)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Office of Councilmember Rodriguez – District 7
200 N Spring Street, Rm 455
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(11:00 am – 11:45 am)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Office of Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky – District 5
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Councilmember Adrin Nazarian – District 2
200 N. Spring St., Room 435
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Office of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez – District 1
200 N. Spring Street, Room 460
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(2:00 pm – 2:30 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Office of Councilmember Traci Park – District 11
200 N. Spring Street, Room 410
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

(3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Councilmember Bob Blumenfield – District 3
200 N. Spring St. #465
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

Monday, December 8

(12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
AIA|LA Quarterly Meeting w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
On Zoom // RSVP HERE.

Tuesday, December 9

(9:00 am – 9:50 am)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Interim City Engineer Mata, Ms. Weintraub, AIA, & Mr. Moklebust, P.E., – Bureau of Engineering, City of LA
On Zoom // RSVP HERE.

(10:00 am – 11:00 am)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Mayor Karen Bass
On Zoom // RSVP HERE.

(1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
AIA|LA meeting with Councilmember Nithya Raman – District 4
On Zoom // RSVP HERE.

MEETING(s) RESCHEDULED & CONFIRMED FOR 2026
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
(11:30am – 12:00pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Matt Szabo – City Administrative Officer

200 N. Main St. Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
(2:00 pm – 2:50 pm)
AIA|LA meeting w/ Vince Bertoni – Director, Los Angeles City Planning & Kevin Keller – Executive Officer, Los Angeles City Planning
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 525
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP HERE.

If you’d like to get more involved in helping to shape our biggest advocacy event of the year, then please reach out to me at will@aialosangeles.org.
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The 2025 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform (DRAFT)
The 2024 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2023 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2022 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2021 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2020 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2019 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
The 2018 AIA|LA Advocacy Platform
2018
2017
2014

2013
2012

Strategic objectives include:

To change the nature of the architecture profession and inspire architects to become more civically engaged, i.e., to be a designer and a citizen, is one and the same.
To change the culture of our City and our civic leadership, architects and system-wide design-thinking need to become a more integral aspect of their mental landscape.

We aim to achieve this by creating:

An open and inclusive initiative that is strategically programmed with relevant and progressive action items and policy platforms, which will further connect the shared values of a multi-disciplinary group of architects, urban designers, city planners, and policymakers to help make a healthier, more beautiful, and more highly functional Los Angeles region.
A committed group of task-force member volunteers (Political Outreach Committee), comprised of architects, that establishes an annual slate of issue briefs and policy recommendations.
Targeted meetings with council members, deputy mayors, general managers, and commissioners. We aim to schedule the critical mass of these meetings on one day (December 3, 2020) at Los Angeles City Hall. However, additional meetings will be coordinated throughout the year with more public agencies throughout the region, such as METRO, Los Angeles County, LAUSD, and the cities of Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Beverly Hills, etc.

Will you join us?
To be successful, AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall will rely on a committed group of AIA members to serve as a critical leadership resource. If you’re interested in getting more involved, please RSVP to will@aialosangeles.org to receive more details.
To prepare for December 6th, we will organize a virtual debriefing roundtable discussion in advance to share our annual advocacy platform and bring everyone up to speed on how to best prepare for our annual Legislative Day at City Hall.
To discover which City Council District you live in, check online HERE.

Please note: this is an exclusive opportunity for AIA members, AIA Associates, and AIA Allied Affiliated Members. If you’d like to join the AIA, then please CLICK HERE for more details.
The Leadership of the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee:

2025 Co-Chair: John Arnold, AIA – Partner, KFA Architecture
2025 Co-Chair: Carlos Augusto Garcia, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP – Associate Principal, Brooks + Scarpa
2024 Co-Chair: John Arnold, AIA – Partner, KFA Architecture
2024 Co-Chair: Carlos Augusto Garcia, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP – Associate Principal, Brooks + Scarpa
2023 Co-Chair: Chava Danielson, AIA – Principal, DSH // architecture
2023 Co-Chair: Rick Corsini, AIA – Principal, Corsini Stark Architects
Past Co-Chair: Casey Shenton Hughes, AIA –Principal, Casey Hughes Architects (CHA)
Past Co-Chair: Tracy Stone, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal Architect, Tracy A. Stone Architect

John Arnold, AIA – Partner, KFA Architecture
With an interest in housing, landscape, and urban design, John has contributed to much of KFA’s multi-family portfolio, starting in 1999, seeking to join great living spaces with their sites and the city as a whole. He has specialized in high-density urban projects and affordable/special needs buildings throughout Los Angeles. Concurrently, John heads up KFA’s adaptive reuse work and has completed over a dozen projects in existing buildings with historic designation. John enjoys community outreach and participates in many of KFA’s public presentations. He is actively involved in his South LA neighborhood of Jefferson Park with planning and zoning issues, being a long-time board member of the United Neighborhoods NC. John is currently serving on AIA|LA’s Board of Directors as AIA CA Representative and serves on the board of Abode Communities Housing. In 2023, John started the restoration of the historic Paul Williams residence in West Adams.

Carlos Augusto Garcia, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP – Associate Principal, BROOKS + SCARPA
Carlos Augusto Garcia is a designer, artist, and Associate Principal at Brooks + Scarpa where he is responsible for managing and hiring staff, managing projects and developing office operations and procedures. He has 15 years of industry expertise, specializing in strategic planning, design research, sustainability, wellness, and carbon reduction. His global outlook manifests through work with UIA World Congress of Architects, New Buildings Institute, National Endowment for the Arts, and Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio. Carlos serves on AIA National COTE Leadership Group, ICC, NCARB, and ASHRAE committees, influencing climate action, greenhouse gas standards, and inclusivity in the industry of architecture. His passion was ignited by his start in emergency management and disaster recovery in post-Katrina New Orleans, where he completed B.Arch and M.Arch degrees from Tulane University. He is committed to pursuing dignity in practice, promoting equity in both membership and leadership.

For more information, please contact:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
American Institute of Architects | Los Angeles Chapter
(213) 639-0764
will@aialosangeles.org

Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E.
2025-12-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly forums allow AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and hear status updates and emerging initiatives.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

1. Monday, March 17 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
2. Monday, June 16 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
3. Monday, September 15 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
4. Monday, December 8 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, June 16, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, September 15, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, December 8, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings
2026-03-05 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2026:
Thursday, March 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, May 7 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, August 13 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, November 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

PRIME 2026 AIA|LA ADVOCACY PRIORITY w/ LADWP:
AIA|LA is requesting LADWP leadership to institute the following protocol, which we believe will substantially improve development services:
To require review/approval of the Service Planner (Office Team) and ESR (Field Team) should occur during the normal Plan Check Period – Avoids delays that happen when approval occurs during construction and when the ESR first sees a project late in the construction process.
MORE CONTEXT:
Powering Progress: How AIA|LA and LADWP Are Redesigning Collaboration
Since 2021, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been breaking down silos through a pioneering series of quarterly roundtables. What began as a conversation has evolved into a powerful engine for problem-solving, connecting the architects who envision our city with the utility experts who power it.
The Mission: From Transaction to Trust –
These forums are about more than just permits; they are about building a shared culture of trust and empathy. By aligning the priorities of LADWP personnel with private sector designers, we are testing new methods to tackle Los Angeles’ biggest challenges—from the housing crisis to the urban heat island effect. We recognize that environmental justice, electrification, and urban design are deeply interconnected, requiring a unified approach to infrastructure.
Turning Talk into Action – These quarterly deep-dives allow us to:

Modernize Standards: We are analyzing how equipment size and “cultural habits” regarding utility placement impact the beauty and safety of our streets.
Innovate: From exploring self-certification to piloting new technologies, we are identifying the obstacles that slow down progress.
Benchmark: We are looking at regional best practices to integrate trees and landscaping with utility infrastructure, ensuring a greener public realm.

Real Results: The impact of this partnership is already visible on the ground. Together, we have achieved:

Faster processing for utility permits.
Critical streamlining for Executive Directive 1 (100% Affordable Housing) projects.
Smarter financial solutions, including the amortization of line extensions.
Greater flexibility for construction staging and transformer placement.

A Model for the Future:
We believe this partnership sets the standard for how City departments should engage with the private sector. By celebrating these wins, we hope to show the public that when architects and utilities collaborate, the entire city benefits.

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - March 2026
2026-03-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA Small Business Firm Exchange
2026-04-22 08:30 - 10:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Click here for Ticket Purchase Instructions & Support.

EVENT DETAILS
Join us for an engaging Small Firm Exchange gathering hosted by Marcos Santa Ana, AIA, CPHD, California Representative at AIA. This interactive event will feature multiple discussion tables where participants can explore key topics impacting small practices—such as firm growth, leadership, technology, and business development—in a small-group format designed for meaningful dialogue and peer exchange.
After the breakout conversations, groups will reconvene to share key insights with the full room, fostering broader discussion and collective learning. Whether you’re a principal, partner, or emerging leader, this is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of small firm practice.

HOST

Marcos Santa Ana, AIA, CPHD, Architect | General Contractor | High Performance Building Designer
California State Representative to the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx)
President, Alloi
Marcos Santa Ana, AIA, CPHD founded Alloi Architecture + Construction in 2009. A licensed architect, licensed general contractor, and Certified Passive House Designer, he also serves as the California State Representative to the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx). In addition to his professional practice, Marcos contributes to architectural education as a guest lecturer at the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and shares his work and perspective through national speaking engagements, including the upcoming AIA National Conference in San Diego this summer. His practice embodies a rare integration of artistry and technical mastery, where architectural design, building science, and construction execution merge into a single, cohesive process. Marcos is recognized for his creativity, precision, and encyclopedic understanding of materials, qualities deeply valued by clients seeking clarity, continuity, and accountability in the design and construction of their homes or commercial environments.

PARKING
Street parking is available in the area. Please be mindful of the signage, and please do not park in the lots of nearby local businesses.

AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) - April 2026
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)
Advocate. Innovate. Streamline. Join the conversation directly shaping the built environment of Los Angeles.
These virtual meetings are organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee.
REGISTER HERE
Navigating the regulatory landscape of Los Angeles is often one of the most complex challenges architects face. The AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables offer an exclusive, high-level dialogue directly with the leadership of Los Angeles City Planning (LACP). This is your opportunity to cut through the red tape, gain immediate clarity on shifting departmental processes, and directly advocate for the code clean-ups necessary to make your projects more feasible.
Next Session Spotlight: April 22 – Our upcoming meeting will dive deep into the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the Development Services Bureau. We will focus extensively on the critical transition of the zoning plan check process, shifting from LADBS to LACP—detailing exactly what this operational shift means for your workflow, permitting timelines, and current projects.
Future Roundtable Topics: To ensure these sessions remain highly relevant, future agendas will pivot to address the most pressing legislative and departmental priorities impacting your practice, including:

Zoning Code Clean-Up: Identifying and reforming specific hindrances, such as 14’ ground floor minimums.
Statewide Housing Initiatives: Practical implementation of SB 79, AB 130, SB 131, and other key bills.
The Tech Shift: How AI, automation, and new technologies are altering regulatory compliance.
Neighborhood Evolution: Navigating the Missing Middle, Corner Stores in SFRs, the Small Lot Ordinance, ADUs, and the Livable Communities Initiative.

Planning Updates: Real-time updates on Community Plans and the refinement or sunsetting of outdated Specific Plans.
2026 Schedule (Virtual via Zoom)

Tuesday, January 27 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (in-person at LA City Hall)
Wednesday, April 22 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Tuesday, August 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Wednesday, November 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.

Don’t let policy happen to your practice—help shape it. RSVP today to secure your spot at the table.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 05.07.26
2026-05-07 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual on Zoom

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Sade Elhawary - Assemblymember, District #57, California
2026-05-15 08:00 - 09:30 | ZGF Architects LLP, 515 South Flower Street, Suite 3700, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Sade Elhawary – Assemblymember, District #57, California
2026 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2026 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Sade Elhawary – Assemblymember, District #57, California
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary is an educator, organizer, and advocate for social justice who represents the 57th Assembly District, including the communities of Exposition Park, South Los Angeles, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the Assemblymember is the eldest daughter of Egyptian and Guatemalan immigrants who came to the United States seeking a brighter future. At Community Coalition for over 12 years, Elhawary was mentored by Mayor Karen Bass and City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and served as a youth organizer, recruiting and developing future leaders of the social justice movement. Her achievements include helping establish the Fremont High School Wellness Center to reduce health disparities in a medically underserved neighborhood and securing the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in schools.
Elhawary played a pivotal role in founding the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice, shaping its curriculum and first graduating class. Her work reflects her deep commitment to improving outcomes for women and young people of color while fostering Black/Brown solidarity.
Assemblymember Elhawary holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She shares a home in South Los Angeles with her foster daughter Makailah.
This Reception is Hosted By:

The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series: (CONFIRMED TO DATE)

Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County = Friday, May 9 (8am)
Laura Friedman – U.S. Congressional Representative, 30th District = Friday, August 8 (8am)
Lourdes Castro Ramírez – President & CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) = Thursday, August 21 (8am)
Leigh Sata, Ed.D, AIA – Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive, LACCD = Friday, August 22 (8am)
Adrin Nazarian – Councilmember, District #2, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, August 28 (9am)* *(9am, not 8am)
Janisse Quiñones, P.E. – Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer, LADWP = Friday, August 29 (8am)
Michael Baim – VP, Venue Infrastructure (VNI), Energy (NRG), and Look & Sign (LNS), LA 28 = Thursday, September 11 (8am)
Laura Rubio-Cornejo – General Manager, LADOT = Thursday, September 18 (8am)
Mark Gonzalez – Assemblymember, District #54, California = Friday, September 19 (8am)
John L. Reamer, Jr. – Inspector of Public Works & Director, Bureau of Contract Administration, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 16 (8am)
Ysabel Jurado – Councilmember, District #14, City of Los Angeles = Thursday, October 30 (8am)

2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - June 2026
2026-06-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 08.13.26
2026-08-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual on Zoom

AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) - August 2026
2026-08-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)
Advocate. Innovate. Streamline. Join the conversation directly shaping the built environment of Los Angeles.
These virtual meetings are organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee.
REGISTER HERE
Navigating the regulatory landscape of Los Angeles is often one of the most complex challenges architects face. The AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables offer an exclusive, high-level dialogue directly with the leadership of Los Angeles City Planning (LACP). This is your opportunity to cut through the red tape, gain immediate clarity on shifting departmental processes, and directly advocate for the code clean-ups necessary to make your projects more feasible.
Prospective Roundtable Topics: To ensure these sessions remain highly relevant, future agendas will pivot to address the most pressing legislative and departmental priorities impacting your practice, including:

Zoning Code Clean-Up: Identifying and reforming specific hindrances, such as 14’ ground floor minimums.
Statewide Housing Initiatives: Practical implementation of SB 79, AB 130, SB 131, and other key bills.
The Tech Shift: How AI, automation, and new technologies are altering regulatory compliance.
Neighborhood Evolution: Navigating the Missing Middle, Corner Stores in SFRs, the Small Lot Ordinance, ADUs, and the Livable Communities Initiative.

Planning Updates: Real-time updates on Community Plans and the refinement or sunsetting of outdated Specific Plans.
2026 Schedule (Virtual via Zoom)

Tuesday, January 27 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (in-person at LA City Hall)
Wednesday, April 22 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Tuesday, August 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Wednesday, November 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.

Don’t let policy happen to your practice—help shape it. RSVP today to secure your spot at the table.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - September 2026
2026-09-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 11.05.26
2026-11-05 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom

AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) - November 2026
2026-11-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual on Zoom

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - December 2026
2026-12-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.
