AIA Idaho saw many successes and changes in 2021. A lengthy legislative session showed the dedication of the AIA Idaho Board and Advocacy Committee as they remained committed and engaged throughout the year. Working diligently through 2021 in the longest Legislative Session in Idaho’s history provided opportunities to achieve the realization of several of our advocacy goals. Regulatory reforms, changes to rules, protecting and updating building and energy codes, property tax changes, and more resulted in tremendous results for architects this past year.

Working with a broad coalition, AIA Idaho was able to gain business-friendly updates and reforms to public contracting and Qualification Based Selection. After extensive negotiations and multiple drafts, we were able to pass Senate Bill 1042 as amended, unanimously in the House and Senate. This multi-year process created consensus and will serve the residents and businesses of Idaho for generations to come. We also expect positive outcomes in 2022 as we work carefully to update and modernize the licensing and authority of the State Architects board and develop policy enabling us to have NCARB reciprocity with Canada and supporting the other policies that we work on each year.

Please enjoy this edition of Idaho Architecture and feel free to contact AIA ID with any questions. We are always eager to hear from you, and I look forward to continuing to serve you as we meet and exceed advocacy and government relations goals for AIA Idaho in 2022 and beyond.