International Code Council Rick Weiland will recognize senior governmental officials, including those elected or appointed to office, for their contribution to building safety with an annual Public Official of the Year Award.

"Without the support of government officials, codes could not be developed, adopted or enforced," Weiland said. "The Code Council already recognizes those who contribute to building safety as code and fire officials among others, but there are many public officials that play an important role in the process that don't fit into the current categories. We need to recognize their contributions also."

Nominees for the Public Official of the Year Award will be solicited by the Code Council and referred to a review committee for final designation. The first recipient of the Award will be named in May 2011 during Building Safety Month.

Criteria for the Public Official of the Year Award includes:

• Demonstrating a commitment to building code adoption and enforcement,
• Encouraging adoption of codes to improve building department administration and safer construction,
• Documenting an increase in code enforcement during their tenure,
• Speaking publicly about the importance of adopting and enforcing the most recent building codes, and
• Standing up to lobbying efforts that oppose code adoption, enforcement and standardization.

"The establishment of this award serves to remind everyone that there are many participants contributing to the safety of our communities. There is a rich pool of deserving recipients, and we look forward to this new annual award starting next year," Weiland said.

Details, including how to nominate award recipients, will be available soon and announced here in ICC eNews as well as on the ICC website.