International Code Council Government Relations Update – May 2016
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It’s Building Safety Month!
For the fourth year in a row, President Obama has proclaimed May 2016 as National Building Safety Month in the United States, encouraging citizens, government agencies, businesses, non-profits and other interested groups to join in activities that raise awareness about building safety. He also calls for all Americans to learn more about how they can contribute to building safety at home and in their communities. ICC’s flagship annual event begins this week as the theme for 2016 Building Safety Month, is Building Codes: Driving Growth through Innovation, Resilience and Safety. Each week has a different theme and sponsor, and each have their own webpage and list of events, which you can find here.
WEEK ONE // May 2–8, 2016: Building Solutions for All Ages
WEEK TWO // May 9–15, 2016: The Science Behind the Codes
WEEK THREE // May 16–22, 2016: Learn from the Past, Build for Tomorrow
WEEK FOUR // May 23–29, 2016: Building Codes: A Smart Investment
RSVP Now for the Chapter Leader Symposium!
If you have not RSVP'd for the upcoming Chapter Leader Symposium, there is still time to do so. On June 21-22, 2016, ICC will host its first annual Chapter Leader Symposium in Oklahoma City. This symposium is a crucial element of the challenge to “find that individual who will fill your shoes, walk in your footsteps, and whom you will mentor.” Building on this theme, the symposium will focus on Chapter leadership and management, with strong emphasis on developing our next generation of leaders. There will also be plenty of time to network and enjoy the company of your fellow Chapter Leaders.
Chapters in good standing may choose between a complimentary registration to the Annual Conference in Kansas City or travel and attendance to this symposium. Please RSVP to tell us if you are planning to attend the symposium or use your complimentary registration to the Annual Conference.
GR Launches New Web Series and Updated Federal Website
ICC’s Government Relations staff in Washington, D.C. is looking to give you the inside scoop on what’s happening inside the Beltway, and to do that, they’ve launched the “House of Codes” series on YouTube, featuring ICC staff breaking down the legislation and executive action that affects our members. The federal website has been updated as well with links to contact your members of Congress, view legislation ICC is tracking, and a calendar of events happening in D.C. Take a look at the site – and don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel so you’ll always have the latest updates!
Apply for ICC’s Professional Development Council
ICC is issuing a call for new members to its Professional Development Council. If you are interested in having a say in the governance of the ICC National Certification exams and/or the ICC Education program, now is the time to apply. The application closing date is June 17, 2016. Read more.
ICC-ES seeks interested individuals to serve on its Board of Managers
The ICC Evaluation Service seeks to fill openings on its Board of Managers for terms of service starting Sept. 1, with qualified individuals who will participate and contribute to the governance of ICC-ES through effective guidance on programs, activities and goals. Applications will be accepted until May 13. Learn more.
Third Edition of ANSI-Approved National Green Building Standard Now Available
The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard™ has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is available for public use. First published in 2009, the NGBS sets the bar for sustainable and high-performance residential construction and provides a pathway by which builders and developers may seek third-party certification of their new homes, developments and remodeling projects. Learn more about the third edition.
Not Too Late for Your Chapter to Proclaim 2016 Building Safety Month!
As always, ICC strives to gain official proclamations nationwide from the President of the United States, state governors, mayors and other elected officials. But your chapter can add its voice, too, to show your support for the cause of nationwide public safety. Over 40 chapters have already made proclamations, so add yours today! A sample proclamation is included on the next page.