A new survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) finds that a large majority of Americans (83 percent) consider public buildings—schools, libraries, community centers, and parks—part of their community’s infrastructure. And, 94 percent of those surveyed say that having well-maintained public buildings are important to the future of their community.
In a key finding for policy makers, 83 percent of survey respondents agreed that investment in these public buildings is just as important as investment in roads and bridges. The survey also found that seven in 10 Americans want their public buildings renovated, and almost three-quarters of Americans consider public schools in good condition a “must have” in the communities in which they live.