You are invited to participate in Prairie Grassroots Lobby Day, organized by AIA Illinois to bring architects from around the state to visit our legislators at the State Capitol. Registration opens soon and will close March 12. The event is free, thanks to our generous sponsors, and includes travel from Chicago and Joliet. More than 50 new legislators took office in January, and they may not know how much about how our profession impacts our cities and our communities. Your viewpoint is an important one as they begin to analyze and vote on legislation. Illinois architects have a great track record of achieving our legislative goals because of member participation in Prairie Grassroots.

It's important for architects to make their presence felt at the state capitol because government officials listen to their constituents. Take one day out away from your office to ensure new bills and policies have a positive impact on your business, and to hear from the agencies that implement the regulations and laws that affect you. One important issue this year is the renewal of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act, which sunsets every decade, and we want to ensure the renewal goes smoothly. 

​We make it easy for you to participate:

• Don't drive--network! Free, early morning bus pick-up in Chicago and Joliet

  • ​7:45 am departure from Merchandise Mart in Chicago (southside plaza along the Chicago River), returns approximately 10:00 pm

  • 9:00 am pick up at Joliet Park and Stop (Exit 257 on I-55), returns approximately 9:00 pm

• Luncheon includes issue briefing; how-to-lobby lesson; guest speakers

  • 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, at Arlington's, 210 Broadway (directly southeast of the AIA Illinois office) ​

•  Coordinated group visits with legislators and agency officials at the State Capitol

  • 2:00 to 4:00 pm 

  • ​walk from the restaurant to the Capitol​

  • AIA Illinois will have a table in the northwest section of the Capitol Rotunda for questions 

  • Finished early with your Capitol vsits? Arlington's, JP Kelly's Pub, Buzz Bomb Brewing Company, and Cafe Moxo are all very close to Resource One. 

• Legislator of the Year networking reception at Resource One Showroom, 321 East Adams Street 

  • 4:00 to 6:00 pm

  • Walk to Resource One from the Capitol

  • State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (Peoria), an advocate for historic preservation, will be honored.