Toledo Architects Champion the Profession at Ohio Advocacy Day 2025
Written by Erin Curley, AIA
On April 30, 2025, architects from across Ohio convened in Columbus for AIA Ohio Advocacy Day—a pivotal event where design professionals engaged directly with state legislators to discuss the issues shaping our built environment. Representing AIA Toledo were Erin Curley, AIA (AIA Ohio Director), Jake Miley, AIA (AIA Toledo President), Bob Siebenaller, AIA, and Arsenio Rodriguez, AIA.
The day began at the Westin Great Southern Hotel with insightful presentations, including one from AIA’s Senior Director of State and Local Affairs, Amal Mahrouki, who introduced the fundamentals of grassroots advocacy. Senator Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Township) and Representative Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) shared bipartisan efforts to address housing challenges. AIA Ohio lobbyist Luther Liggett then presented legislative priorities, including:
Support for Senate Bill 96 – Expanding Ohio’s historic preservation tax credit program to revitalize existing buildings.
Support for Senate Bill 28 – Addressing affordable housing through practical, community-based solutions.
Opposition to provisions in House Bill 96 – Challenging changes proposed by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which were inappropriately included in the budget bill, bypassing normal public regulatory processes.
In the afternoon, our Toledo delegation participated in legislative meetings with Senator Teresa Gavarone, Representative Michele Grim, and Representative Matt Huffman. These conversations underscored the vital role architects play in informing smart policy that affects our communities, infrastructure, and quality of life.
As a first-time attendee, I found the experience both enlightening and empowering. Engaging directly with policymakers highlighted the importance of our voices in legislative processes. Advocacy ensures the value of design is understood, respected, and reflected in Ohio’s public policy.
Advocacy Day is a powerful reminder: architects are not only designers—we are civic leaders and essential contributors to the policies that shape the places where people live, work, and thrive. Our voice matters. And when we show up, we make an impact.
How Can You Help?
Get to Know Your Local Legislators: Attend community events where your representatives are present. Introduce yourself. Educate them about what we do as architects. The more they know, the greater our influence.
Support the PAC (Political Action Committee): The PAC helps fund our voice on the issues that matter most to our bipartisan profession. Every contribution strengthens our ability to advocate effectively.
As architects, we don’t just design buildings—we help design the policy frameworks that define the future of our communities.
AIA Toledo Representatives met with Senator Theresa Gavarone (SD 2).
