Kansas City, MO – June 21, 2024 – American Institute of Architects (AIA) EVP/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE addressed the nation’s mayors during the opening plenary session of The US Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Kansas City. Woods advocated on the importance of urban design in moving our cities forward to build our best future.

“Architects are your partners for progress, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you as you lead the charge to advance your cities," said Woods during her address. Woods’ call to action resonated with mayors, who praised the remarks and applauded her call for a robust partnership to advance safe, healthy, and equitable cities where all residents have an opportunity to thrive. Woods followed the address with a series of meetings with key mayors encouraging mayors to hire Chief Architects and to appoint architects to boards and commissions as a method to assist the mayors in advancing their redevelopment efforts.  

“Mayors and architects are both creators, navigating obstacles to construct vast, thriving networks of interconnected pieces, whether it be a single building, a neighborhood, or an entire city. The bottom line is that mayors and architects serve people and help them thrive," said Woods.

AIA 2024 President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC will lead a panel discussion focused on architects and mayors solving affordable housing challenges in our cities and will be joined by the mayors of Kansas City, Tempe and Lincoln.  

Woods and Dowdell are actively advocating for the value of good design and urging city leaders to partner with AIA, its 98,000 members, and more than 200 local chapters, uplifting people’s lives and building a better, more resilient future together.    

CONTACT
Katie Jacobs
katiejacobs@aia.org

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Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.