Dear AIA El Paso Members,
I am thrilled to share with you our Chapter’s accomplishments for the month of February. From TxA’s Architect’s Day to our bank account transfer to West Star Bank we achieved these two significant goals for the year.
Starting off on February 10th and 11th, a few of us traveled to the Texas State Capital and committed to represent our local members and advocate for our profession. Leading our effort was our Past President and today’s 2025 TxA Director Bruno Vasquez. Also in attendance and with great participating effort was our current Secretary Patricia Rosales Vera, active member Enrique Escobedo and myself. The first day involved meeting with our TxA leaders and fellow architects around the state to coordinate our legislative priorities that highlight the important roles architects play in shaping Texas communities. As a team we were quick to identify those issues related to the built environment that met the education, housing, and infrastructure demands of our rapidly growing population and a booming business industry. Our top 2025 legislative priorities included:
Supporting increased funding for public infrastructure – specifically water infrastructure and updating school facilities with modern safety codes.
Preservation of historic buildings and promote local heritage in efforts for economic benefits.
Housing affordability and attainability.
Repeal of the state sales tax on rehabilitation and remodeling for non-residential buildings.
On the second day, our local team met with the (5) five Representatives and (1) one Senator listed below, to discuss these issues and provide them with relevant information such as the challenges and benefits of each major topic. It was important to convey how the of safety in our communities relies on resilient infrastructure. By making it easier to upgrade buildings, we can help safeguard lives, minimize economic damage, and ensure the economic prosperity of communities across Texas.
Senator Cesar Blanco
Representative Joe Moody
Representative Claudia Ordaz
Representative Vince Perez
Representative Eddie Morales
Representative Mary Gonzalez
As a legislative update, this week marks two weeks until the bill filing deadline, and nearly 6,000 bills have already been filed. Several of the bills TxA is actively supporting and engaged with are among those bills already filed, such as the following:
School Safety Funding
SB 260 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) - Relating to the school safety allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Housing Affordability & Availability
Accessory Dwelling Units - SB 673 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) - Relating to regulation of accessory dwelling units by political subdivisions.
Commercial to Residential - HB 3404 by Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant)/SB 840 by Hughes. Relating to certain municipal and county regulation of certain multifamily and mixed-use residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
Valid Petition Reform - SB 844 by Hughes - Relating to procedures for changes to a zoning regulation or district boundary.
Repeal of State Sales Tax on Rehabilitation & Remodel
HB 3089 by Rep. Tepper (R-Lubbock) - Relating to the exclusion of real property repair and remodeling services from sales and use taxes.
Aside from all this excitement, I also wanted to share that we are officially part of the West Star Bank business. After many troubles and setbacks with the Western Heritage and Nusenda banks we researched other financial institutions to make this transfer. The more we met with West Star representatives we couldn’t help oversee that WestStar’s mission aligns with our own and that our accounts are in good hands. As a local and leading financial institution they are committed to drive the growth, prosperity, and success of their clients, communities, team members and shareholders. WestStar is interested in creating a long-term relationship with AIA and provide us with delivery of exceptional client experiences and comprehensive financial solutions. For this reason the AIA El Paso Chapter board voted “Yay” to transfer our assets from our existing bank and open a Non-Profit Checking account at Weststar Bank.
With that I leave you and I look forward to seeing all of you in our upcoming events. Thanks to all our members and especially our 2025 Board for your dedication and enthusiasm.
Sincerely,
Lorena Holguin, AIA, LEED AP
AIA El Paso Chapter | 2025 President