State Architect Foundation Partners with Great Valley Center to Address San Joaquin Valley Regional Issues.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Architectural Foundation (CAF) has awarded funding to the Great Valley Center (GVC) for the release of an educational publication addressing critical regional issues. At their September 22, 2006, meeting, the CAF Regents awarded $60,000 of funding for the development, publishing, promotion and distribution of "Our Valley, Our Choice: Building a Livable Future for the San Joaquin Valley," a full-colored, 112-page publication fostering public awareness to develop policies regarding regional land use, transportation and community design issues.

CAF's 2007 President, Lance Bird, FAIA, states, "This book addresses issues such as air and water quality, water storage, urban development and the potential loss of prime agricultural land in the San Joaquin Valley. The more interest generated about these important issues, greater is the opportunity for principles of smart growth to prevail in this region."

The CAF is a nonprofit organization that serves as a link between the architectural profession and academia. Its administrative functions are supported by the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC), whose Board pledged $20,000 of the grant money for the publication. GVC is a nonprofit organization that supports efforts promoting the economic, social and environmental well-being of California's Great Central Valley in partnership with the University of California, Merced.

GVC petitioned for funding under the William Turnbull Jr., FAIA, Environmental Education Grant. CAF developed this grant in honor of the noted California architect to support endeavors aimed at raising the public's interest about the important relationship between the built and natural environment.

GVC's book illustrates the compelling principles of conservation, community development and sustainable growth with simple declarative text, as well as with captivating graphics and photographs. AIACC Board President Pamela Touschner, FAIA, states, "We saw the need for this tool with eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley among the fastest growing in the nation." GVC made a compelling case for the need to engage in discussions through the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process including more than 60 cities, eight counties, and more than 3 million residents addressing regional change and the impact of the projected growth in the valley. (7.9 million residents are projected by 2050).

Bird further states, "This important project will significantly elevate the public policy debate for all Californians. While the content of the publication focuses on the immediate impact in the Central Valley, it has implications and lessons to be learned that affect every region in the state."

The AIACC represents the interests of 10,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, AIACC's mission supports architects in their endeavor to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more livable communities, sustainable designs and quality work environments. Today the AIACC is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacc.org.