Municipality of Norristown Receives the 2024 HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Healthy Homes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Healthy Homes highlights the work of agencies, organizations and Tribes that are advancing healthier living environments while ensuring housing remains affordable. Administered through HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), the award shines a spotlight on innovative strategies, effective policies and community-driven initiatives that reduce health risks, address environmental hazards and improve housing quality nationwide. 

The Award honors ongoing achievement and sustainability while fostering innovative approaches to reduce lead and other health hazards in homes, with particular attention to disadvantaged communities most vulnerable to housing-related risks. The Municipality of Norristown in Pennsylvania is the recipient of the 2024 HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Healthy Homes.   

2024 HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Healthy Homes

Located in Montgomery County, PA, the Municipality of Norristown developed and implemented the Norristown Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Control Ordinance to address elevated levels of lead exposure in the area.  

The program sanctioned lead paint inspections and remediation measures for rental properties, daycare facilities and structures subject to real estate transfers, including the transfer of residential owner-occupied properties.   

The program is administered and enforced by the Norristown Department of Buildings & Code Compliance, formerly led by International Code Council (ICC) member Amrinder Singh, CCEA, MCP, CBO. Singh was the Department Head and the Building Code Official for the Municipality during the program’s development and implementation. Currently, Singh works as the Director of Licenses and Inspections and Chief Building Official of Upper Darby Township, PA.  

“Code officials are often the unseen guardians of our communities, working every day to ensure that homes, schools and neighborhoods are safe and healthy places to live,” said Singh. “The success of Norristown’s lead ordinance demonstrates the impact we can achieve through collaboration among government, public health professionals and community stakeholders. It’s a reminder that every code, every inspection, and every decision we make has the power to protect and improve lives.” 

Program Success 

Nearly two and a half years after the ordinance was adopted, more than 60 percent of Norristown’s rental properties have been certified as lead-free or lead-safe. This translates to over 5,000 housing units now meeting the ordinance and program standards. 

This recognition underscores the collaborative effort among county health officials, national, state and local children’s advocacy groups, parents and municipal leaders in establishing a proactive and community-focused lead safety program. 

Additional Accolades 

Singh is the 2022 recipient of the ICC Excellence in Public Safety Award in part for his leading of the Norristown Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Control Ordinance. The ICC Excellence in Public Safety Award recognizes a member of the building industry who consistently demonstrates outstanding qualities, including integrity, professionalism and representing the spirit of public service in the interest of public safety.    

Learn more about HUD’s Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Healthy Homes and the 2024 recipient here.  

Learn more about ICC membership here.