2018 State Chapter Initiative

An enormously important election with huge implications for the future is rapidly approaching. No, I’m not talking about that election, as consequential as it may be for the country. I’m referring instead to a crucial vote that will affect every member of the American Institute of Architects in the State of Oregon for years to come. 

As I reported last fall, delegates from AIA chapters within the state and the staff of AIA Oregon have worked since 2013 on a proposal to unite the state’s four separate chapters into a single statewide body. The principal rationale favoring a single statewide chapter is that it would provide a better return for every membership dollar while strengthening the Oregon architectural community and the voice of our profession. 

Last month, AIA Oregon delegates approved a resolution to proceed with the merger plan, which means a statewide election involving all AIA members in the state. 

It behooves all of us (AIA members and associate members in Oregon) to be as informed as possible before helping render a crucial decision that will set the course of our professional association for many years. Simply put, the State Chapter Initiative election matters a lot. Here’s why:

1. A “yes” vote means the AIA in Oregon will transform as mentioned above from four separate chapters into a single AIA for all Oregon architects. If all chapters vote yes, the legal process to form the new AIA Oregon will proceed. 
2. If one or more chapters vote “no,” the current structure of four individual chapters will remain unchanged. There is a downside to a “no” vote, which is that at the national level, AIA has instituted new requirements requiring greater operational efficiency in all chapters. The risk is smaller chapters (namely Salem and Southern Oregon) may no longer be able to provide adequate services, and volunteer time and administrative costs will remain high. Ultimately, these smaller chapters may be forced to dissolve.
3. A “yes” vote means everyone would be a member of and pay dues to AIA Oregon and AIA National. In the place of local chapters, the plan is to organize AIA Oregon chapter “sections” in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Rogue Valley, and Bend. AIA Oregon members will have the option to select a section to join, but there will not be separate dues for section affiliation. The sections will do a lot of the same things the chapters do now, including planning and hosting events, hosting awards ceremonies and conferences, and cultivating and supporting a local community of architects. Like today’s chapters, tomorrow’s sections will be able to create committees, groups and task forces to address issues of interest to members. And they’ll each elect an AIA Oregon Director to represent them on the statewide board of directors. Unlike today’s chapters, sections will not be responsible for administration or managing the organization’s budget. They’ll receive support on communications, resource sharing, and other similar functions.
4. A “yes” vote means there will be a new dues structure that will help ensure all members have access to meaningful programs and services while meeting AIA National standards for core member services, including continuing education, professional development and advocacy. Architect members currently pay between $217 and $370 annually for their dues, including $120 for the Oregon State Council and between $97 and $250 additionally for local chapter dues. Under the new structure, dues for members statewide beginning in 2019 will be $349. For members in Southern Oregon and Salem, AIA Oregon shared reserves will be used to incrementally offset the increase in dues. Firm dues will be based on local market conditions and the real cost of chapter benefits.

My understanding is votes from each of the four current chapters will be tallied separately. If any one chapter fails to achieve a plurality in favor of the merger, the initiative will not pass and the status quo will be maintained. It’s an all or nothing proposition. If all the chapters support the merger, the transition would occur sometime in 2019. 

If the merger moves forward, the transition process will take 8 to 12 months to complete. During this period, the existing AIA Oregon board and chapters will remain as they are. Once the process is complete, everyone will become a member of the new AIA Oregon and have the option to select a local section to join. 

You can find plenty of additional information regarding the initiative on the AIA Oregon website. 

AIA-Southwestern Oregon is preparing ballots for distribution via snail mail to its members sometime this week. The ballots will include a draft of the new bylaws and articles of incorporation. The statewide goal is to complete the voting before the end of this month using mail-in ballots. AIA-SWO members please note: If your mailing info has changed, and not been updated with the AIA’s national office, AIA-SWO won't be able to mail your ballot to the correct address. If your mailing address is different from that listed in the national database, be sure to let AIA-SWO know right away at aiaswo@gmail.com. 

Want to make a recommendation or ask a question? Share your ideas, questions, or concerns via email at info@aia-oregon.org and someone from the AIA Oregon Board of Directors will get back to you as soon as possible. No matter what be sure to exercise your franchise by voting on this state chapter initiative.