Policy and Advocacy
The BSA is committed to making our membership heard throughout government and policy arenas.
The Policy & Advocacy Program is committed to developing and executing a strategic policy agenda that serves as the cornerstone of BSA’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices, needs, and priorities of the BSA members are heard and addressed at all levels of government. Here, you will find updates and critical policy news spanning local, state (through AIA MA), and national (AIA national) levels, to stay informed and engaged in policy initiatives and efforts:
- BSA: By identifying and cultivating avenues for meaningful engagement and impact, BSA empowers our members to actively participate in shaping local policies that affect their profession and communities. Together, we build a future where the BSA community thrives, fueled by collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advocacy.
- AIA Massachusetts: The sole focus of AIA Massachusetts is advocacy and lobbying on behalf of all Massachusetts architects. From supporting legislation that affects the business practice of architects, partnering with state agencies to resolve problems quickly, and participating in state task forces and commissions, AIA Massachusetts supports the needs of the architectural profession and the quality of life for all citizens of the Commonwealth. Learn more here.
- AIA National: AIA’s advocacy efforts are powered by the collective voice and actions of 98,000+ members. Together, we’re taking on urgent issues affecting the architecture profession and the AEC industry, in numbers that are making a difference. We provide talented, passionate professionals and committed community members with access to resources and leadership opportunities, helping them become a critical voice for change and a powerful voice for good. Learn more here.
Get involved!
Please take this quick 5 question member survey to help the BSA (and yourself) gauge your interest, priorities, and engagement with policy and advocacy.
Want to stay up to date with other BSA members regarding policy, advocacy, and other interests? Join a Knowledge Community and see how you can get involved.
Housing Advocacy Platform
The Boston Society for Architecture's board recognizes that architects can envision and deliver practical, affordable solutions to help alleviate the severe Massachusetts housing crisis, not only through architectural practice but also through housing advocacy.
Climate Advocacy Platform
Recognizing the power of architects to envision and deliver crucial climate solutions, the Boston Society for Architecture's board adopts this updated 2024 Climate Advocacy Platform and urges interested members to join together to advance these principles through architectural practice, strategic advocacy, and public education.
Program: Mass Timber
Mass timber, short for “massive timber,” uses engineered soft wood lumber species as the key structural element for large-scale projects. This building material presents several benefits, namely the significantly lower levels of embodied carbon especially when compared to steel and concrete. Check the work BSA and the Boston Planning & Development Agency accomplished on the Mass Timber Accelerator Program and what BSA continues to do through the Mass Timber in Three Regions work.
Past BSA Engagement: Positions, White Papers, Civic Dialogue
Check out past positions, white papers, and civic dialogue that BSA has produced in the past.
