The RUDC has been revived and the new chair will be posting here shortly. But, Gary, to your question - here is a copy of the email that was sent to all RUDC members in January 2009.
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Dear Colleagues:
The AIA Board of Directors approved the 2009 national component operating plan and budget earlier this month. The plan and budget address the economic reality of anticipated lower revenue next year. But, instead of taking the easier path of cutting budgets and programs equally, with strategic guidance from the AIA Board, the Executive Management team thoroughly examined which AIA national component programs, policies, and initiatives should be eliminated and which should grow.
As a result, the 2009 operating plan and budget continues to emphasize AIA strategic priorities-sustainability, integrated project delivery, diversity, emerging professionals, and our web strategy, and maintains strength in programs you value highly-advocacy, contract documents, membership and membership communications, and the annual AIA convention.
However, there are organizational changes in 2009 that directly affect the Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC). Earlier this month, I spoke directly with chair Soren Simonsen, AIA, AICP, LEED AP, to explain the changes and the rationale and he expressed enthusiasm that the work of the RUDC will continue to help strengthen the Institute's voice on community design issues. Beginning in January, the RUDC portfolio will merge with the AIA Center for Communities by Design and representation will continue through the Board Advocacy Committee to provide even closer alignment of the Committee's activities with the overall strategic objectives of the Institute. The staff of the Center for Communities by Design will reach out to you in the next few weeks to ensure all RUDC materials and web resources are updated and the 2009 RUDC plans get underway, including the Spring Roundtable, "Redefining the Architect's Role: Architects as Agents for Social Change" and the 2009 AIA Convention RUDC luncheon. Starting in January, you'll be able to maintain communication with your RUDC colleagues through the Center for Communities by Design listserv.
In another example of how the 2009 AIA operating plan effectively utilizes resources, the Educator/Practitioners Network, Continuing Education Quality Assurance Panel, and Convention Continuing Education Advisory Committee merge to form a new Board Education Committee charged with creating an Institute-wide education strategy. These and other changes place greater emphasis on adding value for membership in the AIA. The global economic downturn is having an impact on your professional organization and the Board and Executive Management responded in a proactive manner. You can continue to rely on the AIA to provide the tools and resources you need to support your practice and career. You can expect new and innovative ways to engage with other AIA members and the profession in 2009. You can anticipate an AIA that is strong and ever-more relevant to your professional life. A toast to a better 2009 for us all!
Sincerely
Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA
President -------------------------------------------
Kathleen Simpson
Manager, Knowledge Communities
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-19-2012 22:12
From: Gary Collins
Subject: Who heads up the AIA RUDC Knowledge Committee?
I could not concur more with Lance's comments. I have no idea why the RUDC/KC was removed unless the discussion offended somebody. Recent violent protests abroad undescore the need for adherence to free speech as a central tenet of our society. Let's see the discussion forum resume, asap.
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Gary Collins AIA
Principal
Gary R. Collins, AIA
Jacksonville OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-19-2012 14:20
From: Lance Brown
Subject: Who heads up the AIA RUDC Knowledge Committee?
I too have heard there is a move afoot to re-establish the RUDC KC.
In the meantime the R/UDAT and S/DAT programs seem to be the
standard bearers for all related current activities.
I have heard from many committee members that they would like to have
the committee function again. Its removal from the roles of KCs
was done so quietly that it took some time to notice its disappearance.
In this, "the century of the city", the value of the RUDC could not be greater.
LJB-2005 RUDC Committee Chair
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Lance Jay Brown FAIA
Firm Owner/Architect
Lance Jay Brown Architecture/Urban Design
New York NY
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