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After last weeks conclusion to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, professional organizations from the architecture, construction, climate, and real estate sectors issued statements on what the transition could mean for the environment, economy, and racial and gender equity.While architecture groups have socioeconomic and environmental concerns, some building associations see an opportunity for slashing away at construction and rent regulations. AN rounded up a series of statements from organizations to capture the spectrum of public opinion. National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)NOMA issued a statement on social media from its executive board and board of directors summarizing the advocacy groups discontents with the latest presidential election. NOMA said that the realities facing women in our profession, including barriers to career advancement and challenges related to motherhood and mentorship will be exacerbated by President Trumps administration; DEI initiatives and HBCUs will see a rollback in support from the federal government; and DBE and MWBE will see less opportunities.The advocacy group also said the effects of tariffs and rising construction costs will worsen, placing a heavier burden on communities and reducing opportunities for equitable development. It also emphasized the need to recognize the profound implications of expanding policing and prisons in the years ahead, and to acknowledge the magnitude of global conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Palestine. The full statement can be accessed here.National Association of Realtors (NAR)Today, the National Association of Realtors is one of the most powerful lobbying groups on Capitol Hill. The Super PAC regularly squashes ballot initiatives for rent control, eviction protections, and so forth. In 2022, NAR invested $84.11 million on lobbying politicians, outspending virtually every other Super PAC in the U.S.Ahead of the 2024 election cycle, NAR spent $13.6 million on independent expenditure campaigns, and an additional $5.5 million went to state and local associations fighting against rent control, and other tenants rights efforts. According to NAR, 98 percent of congressional candidates who received NARs support won their districts. Looking ahead, NAR will advocate for tax cuts, such as the ugly 11 tax proposals from the Biden Administration it fought against, and won. Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN)ACAN is a nationwide organization that works at the intersection of ecological and climate crises. On November 6, the day when Vice President Harris conceded the election, ACAN called this election seasons results a setback but vowed to maintain its advocacy work. ACANs words are shared below:The US election results may feel like a setback in driving substantive climate action, but history has shown that even in challenging times, we have the resilience and capacity to transform our communities, our institutions, and our future. Now is not the time to despair; its the time to organise strategically and take meaningful climate action.The work we do on the groundin our local communities, in our universities, and in every place where people gather for a better world will drive the change we need. Lets channel any disappointment into determination. We are part of a growing movement that cannot be silenced or sidelined. The climate crisis waits for no one, and the solutions we fight for are critical for all life on this planet.In the face of this moment, one thing is clear: we cannot lose sight of the power we hold when we come together.Lets come together in solidarity and seize this moment to intensify our efforts. From grassroots networks to international forums, our collective action is unstoppable. This is our opportunity to build even stronger alliances, hold leaders accountable, challenge disinformation, and inspire others to join in protecting our planet and achieving climate justice.Were not giving up. Were just getting started.AIA New York | Center for ArchitectureExecutive director of AIA NY, Jesse Lazar, wrote a letter to members, colleagues, and friends of Center for Architecture. This is what it said:Today is a sad and challenging day for many of us. Although our community is broad, with varying social and political priorities and perspectives represented, we acknowledge and empathize with the pain, concern, and fear that so many are experiencing. We are particularly mindful of those who identify with or love others who are part of communities that have been targeted during the presidential campaign.Both AIA New York and the Center for Architecture will continue to pursue action to honor our shared vision of advancing the value and practice of architecture to promote just and sustainable communities. We look forward to sharing more plans for how we will do that work together. In the meantime, all are welcome here at the Center for Architecture, wherewe are committedto providing a safe and enriching environment that celebrates community, collaboration, and learning.The institutions in which we participate, the groups to which we belong, and the civic engagement we do together are vital tools for change and empowerment. We hope you will find your ongoing connection to AIA New York and the Center for Architecture especially valuable in challenging times. Below is a list of some upcoming opportunities to be together as a design community in the next few days. We hope we will see you, and in the meantime, take care of yourselves and others. Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC)Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO, welcomed last weeks results, calling the outcome an exciting day for our industry. Bellamans full statement is shared below:ABC is optimistic about the future of Americas construction industry and the opportunities to advance policies that protect free enterprise, reduce regulatory burdens and expand workforce development. With leaders and lawmakers committed to promoting economic growth and supporting the principles of fair and open competition, we are confident that the construction industry will thrive and all workers will be given the opportunity to build America with fewer obstacles.ABC looks forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to advance policies that solve the issues that the construction industry faces, including the skilled labor shortage ofmore than half a million, widespread regulatory burdens and inflation and tax challenges, said Bellaman. We also welcome the opportunity to work with a president who is willing to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America.U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC)Ben Stapleton, executive director of USGBC California, said that, after this latest election season, the path for climate experts has become steeper and more rugged,but also, in some ways clearer and more in focus. In Stapletons letter, he told his constituents that the struggle is real, and we and they need you now more than ever. And you are not alone. Stapleton proceeded to lay out clear cut initiatives he said need advocating for, such as scaling USGBCsNet Zero Accelerator and 50L Home initiative, building up a green workforce, and the Green Homes California program.National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)Since 1964, the National Utility Contractors Association has been a non-partisan group with thousands of members involved in building and maintaining water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure. Doug Carlson, NUCAs CEO, congratulated Trump on his victory while outlining his main priorities moving forward, with a strong emphasis on clean drinking water, but also roads, bridges, energy, and broadband infrastructure. Carlsons statement is shared below:Washington, D.C. must face the fact that there is an estimated $1 trillion in essential water infrastructure needs across water and wastewater systems over the next 20 years. Congress must appropriate funds at the levels signed into law through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. And it must start planning for what comes next after this funding ends in FY2026.Americas infrastructure issues are nonpartisan. A leaking water service main, or Americans without clean water is everyones concerns. And that is just the start. Americans are counting on Congress to responsibly deliver the billions of dollars in construction for the roads, bridges, energy, and broadband infrastructure our nation needs.The longer we wait to invest in our water infrastructure needs, the greater that number grows. Eventually, the bill will come due. Water systems all around the country rely on federal funding to help them meet their clean water goals. Our view is simplecutting water funding is a mistake our next President and the coming 119th Congress cant afford to make. Americans are counting on their newly elected leaders to invest in clean water. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA president and CEO, was also congratulatory. Hopper said her team hopes to work with the Trump administration, and building out the countrys existing solar and storage industry.Domestic solar manufacturing has grown four-fold under pro-business federal clean energy policies, and soon, we will have enough American-made solar panels to meet our demand for solar deployment. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans support these policies, which are uplifting communities in states like Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investments.SEIA looks forward to working with the new administration and members of Congress to build on the progress of the last four years. Together we can secure a future of clean energy abundance and prosperity.Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)Rachel Kerestes, CCLs executive director, said in her statement that the American people have spoken. In January, president-elect Donald Trump and, likely, a Republican-controlled Congress will take office. Kerestes continued that CCLs advocacy work must go on, much like ACANs sentiments.We are clear-eyed about the challenge this result presents for climate action. This moment in American politics will require a lot from climate advocates. It will require a vigorous, focused defense of what our movement has achieved so far. At the same time, it will require a willingness to find opportunities to achieve additional, meaningful progress.Citizens Climate Lobby is ready to meet this moment. Our long history of working respectfully across the aisle means we have earned a seat at the table with lawmakers in both parties. Even now, we are well positioned to make progress on evidence-based climate solutions. With the support of our dedicated staff and grassroots volunteers nationwide, we intend to do just that.AN will continue to update to this list with statements from other organizations involved with the built environment.
