The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is participating in the 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Washington, D.C., January 28-30, 2026, convening more than 300 mayors and senior city leaders from across the country.

AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu from the mainstage for a featured conversation on the power of design in strengthening communities and supporting effective local leadership.  

View session with Wedge and Mayor Wu.(beginning at min 15)

“Mayors today are builders of infrastructure, of spaces where people can still connect and get things done and come together — ultimately, we are builders of community,” said Mayor Wu. “That’s where the connection with the architecture community is very salient.”

AIA’s presence at the Winter Meeting reflects the strength and longevity of its partnership with the USCM and the growing recognition that architects play a critical role in helping cities deliver results for their residents. 

Housing is one of the central challenges mayors are grappling with throughout the conference, and AIA is at the table. In partnership with the USCM, AIA recently conducted a national housing survey to gain insights into the housing crisis from mayors' perspectives. The findings reveal that 4 in 5 mayors are taking decisive steps to address housing challenges, with many updating land use policies and 54% revising building codes to support development.

Mayor Wu emphasized the urgency of local action on housing from the mainstage: “We’re throwing everything we can at the housing crisis — using city land, closing financial gaps, converting office buildings, and simplifying the process so it’s easier to build housing that families desperately need.” 

In addition to raising awareness of AIA and the power of architects, Wedge is at the conference to ensure that America’s mayors know that architects are trusted partners who help translate vision into action. 

“Architects everywhere love cities–and we’re passionate about building resilient, connected communities that work for everyone,” said Wedge.

Throughout the conference, Wedge is meeting one-on-one with over a dozen mayors to discuss how architects can collaborate with communities to drive impactful change and create a lasting legacy through design. Many mayors have shared that they are rethinking how design expertise fits into their administrations, and are turning to AIA as the place to identify qualified, community-minded professionals. 

Wedge ended the mainstage discussion with Mayor Wu with a call to action for Mayors across the country: “AIA represents more than 100,000 talented and civically engaged members,” she noted from the stage. “Bring us into your administration, your chiefs of staff, your planning commissions, your boards. AIA National can help you find the resources and the passionate architects who are optimistic about the future.”

Wedge will also participate in these additional sessions during the Winter Meeting:

• Improving the Environment Through Community Engagement: 3:30 – 4:30PM, January 28
• Federal Economic Development and Housing Tax Incentives: 11:30 – 12:30PM, January 29
• Mayors and Professional Sports Alliance: 3:30 - 4:30PM, January 29

Contact mtinder@aia.org to learn more about AIA’s participation at the USCM Winter Meeting.