The 26th annual State Government Network Meeting (SGN) was held in Washington, DC from July 11th through Wednesday July 13th. The successful meeting was well attended by over 80 members from 40 states. Events included behind the scene tours of the U.S. Capitol (including an up close view of the ongoing renovation) and the National Archives. The meeting officially kicked off later that evening with a reception at the U.S. Botanical Gardens attended by the Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP. Welcome remarks were made by AIA President Russ Davidson and AIA CEO Robert Ivy.
Over the course of the next two days, members heard presentations from experts about:
- The Practice of Architecture
- Continuing Education
- Design Competition
- Encroachment
- Energy Efficiency
- Code Adoption and Interpretation
- Permit Streamlining
- Advocacy Building
In addition, participants had the opportunity to break into groups to share their challenges, successes and best practices. Collaboration continued into the evening as old friends reunited and new members were introduced at a networking reception.
Day two included conversations about advocacy efforts, such as messaging, legislative targeting building alliances and political action committees.
Most importantly, a special session was dedicated to hearing directly from members about how SGN can best meet the policy needs of state and local components moving forward. Valuable member feedback provided a launching pad for redesigning and reinvigorating the SGN network. AIA is excited to continue this dialogue and move ahead toward a successful future.
Cynthia Witkin, Director of State & Local Policy