AIA CEO Joins Boston Mayor to Discuss Housing and Design at Mayors' Conference

Carole Wedge, AIA's top executive, participated in the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Winter Meeting to highlight architects' role in building resilient communities.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55am

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) participated in the 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Washington, D.C., with AIA EVP/CEO Carole Wedge joining Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on the mainstage to discuss the power of design in strengthening communities. Wedge also met with over a dozen mayors to discuss how architects can collaborate with local leaders to drive impactful change through design.

Why it matters

The AIA's presence at the Mayors' Conference reflects the growing recognition that architects play a critical role in helping cities address key challenges, particularly around housing and community development. As mayors grapple with issues like the housing crisis, they are increasingly looking to partner with design professionals to translate their visions into action.

The details

At the conference, Wedge and Mayor Wu discussed the urgent need for local action on housing, with Wu emphasizing that Boston is "throwing everything we can at the housing crisis." Wedge also highlighted that 4 in 5 mayors are taking steps to address housing challenges, including updating land use policies and building codes. Throughout the event, Wedge met with over a dozen mayors to discuss how architects can collaborate with communities to drive change.

  • The 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors took place from January 28-30, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
  • Wedge and Mayor Wu's featured conversation occurred on the mainstage during the conference.

The players

Carole Wedge

The EVP/Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Michelle Wu

The Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

A professional organization for architects in the United States, representing over 100,000 members.

U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM)

A non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, representing over 1,400 U.S. cities.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

“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.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

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

— Carole Wedge, EVP/CEO, American Institute of Architects

“AIA represents more than 100,000 talented and civically engaged members. 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.”

— Carole Wedge, EVP/CEO, American Institute of Architects

What’s next

The AIA plans to continue its partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, with Wedge and other AIA representatives participating in additional sessions during the Winter Meeting to discuss topics like community engagement, economic development, and the role of architects in supporting local leaders.

The takeaway

The AIA's participation in the Mayors' Conference underscores the growing recognition that architects are essential partners in addressing critical community challenges, from the housing crisis to infrastructure and placemaking. By collaborating with local leaders, the architecture profession can help translate bold visions into tangible, equitable outcomes that improve people's lives.