Architects from across the state of Tennessee met last week at the State Capitol to speak with a unified voice on matters related to architecture and Tennessee’s built environment.
Members met with State Representatives and Senators to offer advice on several issues as thanking their elected officials on supporting the profession through increased support of capitol improvements and maintenance projects.
Topics discussed were issues that the AIA TN government relations committee have been following:
- Economic Impact of the Design & Construction Industry
- Ensuring Cohesive Codes Adoption & Enforcement
- Preparing TN Communities to be Resilient Against Flooding
Additionally, Butch Eley, Deputy Governor & Commissioner of Finance & Administration, provided a brief update on the Governor’s vision of Tennessee’s built environment. Commissioner Christie Branscom and Deputy Commissioner John Hull of Department of General Services presented current and proposed projects including updates on the Multi Law Enforcement Training Academy. Dr. Emily House, Executive Director of TN Higher Education Commission (THEC), also updated members on THEC’s capitol improvement and maintenance plans. We were also honored to have an afternoon “Meet & Greet” with TN’s Constitutional Officers: Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Comptroller Jason Mumpower and Treasurer David Lillard. We concluded the Day with with a Joint Legislative Reception hosted by AIA Tennessee, ACEC Tennessee, AGC of Tennessee, Associate Builders & Contractors of Greater Tennessee and AGC of East Tennessee.
We want to thank our members, public officials and legislators that took an enormous amount of time out of their day. This is how conversations start and relationships are built. We hope members will go back home and continue to foster the relationships from our legislative day on the hill!