AIA New York president message: Passing the gavel to Brown

By Jill Lerner, FAIA Dear Colleagues, We are all aware of a massive transition currently underway as the city ushers in a new mayor with a five borough plan and a progressive agenda. While land use, design, development and construction issues did not take a "front and center" role in the election, many of the key deputy mayors and commissioners to be appointed will head agencies with a direct or indirect impact on the built environment, and on the role that architects can and will play in advising on key issues and policies. From regulatory agencies such as the department of buildings and the department of city planning, to client-agency groups including the Department of Design and Construction and the School Construction Authority, at least 10 major roles will affect our industry broadly, our practices, and our city. AIANY has been in contact with mayor-elect de Blasio and members of his transition team to ensure that they recognize the role design can play in creating a more unified and livable city. We are making recommendations about the people we would like to see appointed as commissioners - leaders who bring experience, expertise, and an interest in working with the architectural community. We are also strongly suggesting a new position - deputy mayor of planning and design - one who would coordinate the activities of various agencies into a more holistic view and could facilitate streamlining approvals between agencies. Finally, we are collaborating with Urban Green, as we discuss candidates for key roles in the mayor's office of long term planning who will expand upon the initiatives in sustainability and resilience that are key to our global leadership as well as our long term viability as a stable urban center. In-line with this work, AIANY executive director, Rick Bell, FAIA, participated in "Talking Transition" last month. During the Municipal Arts Society's "Rethinking Regulation: New Priorities for City Building" session, Rick spoke about the streamlining and simplifying of city building regulations, and about having a regulatory environment that was strong but also open to interpretation and negotiation. He also discussed the importance of joining disparate agencies. In addition to mayor-elect de Blasio, our city also gained a new Manhattan borough president, new council members, a new public advocate, and a new comptroller. AIANY is in conversation with these officials and their staffs as well. On December 10th, we are holding our 2014 board inaugural. The program will include a review of the past year's highlights and accomplishments and we'll discuss key initiatives that should move forward into the new year. With the passing of the gavel to incoming president, Lance Jay Brown, FAIA, the event will also include a preview of what's to come in 2014 with the new presidential theme, Civic Spirit: Civic Vision, a theme perfectly aligned with the election of the new mayor. Entering AIANY board members will be officially welcomed, while exiting members will be given the warm farewell they deserve for their tremendous contributions. The past year as your president has been a wonderful opportunity and I was grateful to collaborate with all of you, and to advocate on behalf of our profession and our city's physical wellbeing. I look forward to remaining an active member of our chapter and am thrilled to have Lance represent us over this next year. Jill Lerner, FAIA, is the 2013 president of the AIANY, New York, N.Y.