Malibu’s Yolanda Bundy Receives 2025 Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award

The Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award recognizes individuals whose contributions strive to advance the code enforcement profession and the mission of the International Code Council (ICC), and honors model code organization founders Albert H. Baum, M.L. Clement and Phil Roberts.  

The 2025 Gerald H. Jones Award was presented at the ICC’s Annual Conference to Yolanda Bundy, MS, PE, CBO, CFCO, City of Malibu, Director of Environmental Sustainability Department and Building Official.  

“Ms. Bundy has been instrumental in guiding Malibu through the recovery process after five devastating wildfires,” said Tracey Rossine, City of Malibu’s Environmental Programs Manager. “Her ability to streamline the rebuilding process, particularly after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, and currently in the aftermath of November 2024’s Broad Fire, the December 2024 Franklin Fire and January 2025’s Palisades Fire, speaks to her remarkable organizational and teamwork skills, adaptability and problem-solving skills.”  

To date, Bundy and her team have successfully completed nearly 1,000 rebuilds, helping families return home safely and restoring neighborhoods with resilience and care.  

“Winning this award is a profound honor and a humbling recognition of the hard work and dedication my team and I have invested in building safe and resilient neighborhoods,” said Bundy. “This is the result of a collective effort of my staff, colleagues and the broader Malibu community in advancing building safety, disaster recovery and code compliance. This award validates the importance of compassionate leadership, innovation and commitment to public well-being.” 

Bundy’s Leadership Improved Permit Turnaround Time, Technology Advancements and Productivity 

Before Bundy’s appointment, Malibu was issuing an average of 33 permits per month for Woolsey Fire rebuild projects, sparking concern in the community for the recovery timeline. Drawing on her previous experience, Bundy established an expedited permit approval process and personally guided homeowners through their rebuilding journeys, according to Rossine.  

As a result, fire rebuild permits increased by nearly 86 percent to an average of 63 processed per month. In some months, over 100 permits were issued. In Oct. 2019, Malibu’s overall fire rebuild permits rose 22 percent to 282 permits.  

Under Bundy’s leadership, the department implemented a range of technological advancements, including online payments, electronic applications, expedited reviews and enhanced communication channels. These improvements resulted in over 2,500 construction permits processed, nearly 3,000 plan checks completed, and a 20 percent productivity increase to handle issues related to wildfires, mudslides, flooding and earthquakes.  

In response to the winter rains of 2024, Bundy and her team developed the Emergency Slope Best Management Practices Checklist and conducted over 50 site visits to assess and mitigate risks.    

“It is a privilege to lead these efforts and make a tangible difference in people’s lives during their most challenging moments,” said Bundy. 

Code Certification Training Drives Credibility and Camaraderie 

Bundy started her career as a civil engineering and plan reviewer for the city of Santa Paula and gradually moved into leadership roles overseeing building safety and disaster recovery in Ventura and then in Malibu.  

“I have been passionate about buildings and the built environment since high school, drawn to both the technical rigor and the community impact aspects of the construction industry,” said Bundy. “This passion is supported by a solid foundation of ICC certifications, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in structural engineering.” 

Bundy credits her upbringing and the sacrifices her parents made as immigrants for her commitment to learning, service and hard work. “My parents immigrated from Mexico in 1985 with me and six siblings in search of a better life, instilling in me a strong, ethical work foundation and the drive to serve communities from the ground up,” said Bundy.  

“Pursuing  ICC certifications was a natural extension of that commitment, which validated my experience, strengthened my leadership capabilities, and allowed me to serve communities with confidence,” Bundy added. “ICC certifications provide a foundation to ensure built environments are safe and resilient. Beyond technical mastery, building safety certifications reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity and ethical leadership.” 

Bundy encourages certification candidates to approach their credentialing journeys with discipline, focus and purpose.  

“Certifications are more than credentials, but rather tools to expand your impact, build credibility and provide empowerment to make meaningful, lasting contributions,” said Bundy. “I also plan to expand mentorship programs for emerging professionals, especially women and underrepresented groups in the building industry, to help grow a diverse and highly-skilled workforce.”  

Competent Code Officials Build Community Trust 

Bundy noted how profoundly building safety intersects with community trust, resilience and quality of life. “Beyond technical expertise, this work demands empathy, communication and leadership,” she said. “Every project impacts people’s lives, which makes this work rewarding, meaningful and humbling.” 

“Yolanda Bundy’s ability to lead post-disaster recovery efforts, drive impactful sustainability initiatives and ensure rigorous code enforcement has not only shaped the communities she serves, but has also set a standard of excellence in the field,” said Rossine. 

Speaking directly to the upcoming generation of builders and inspectors, Bundy’s advice is to lead with integrity, professionalism and compassion.  

“Your work directly impacts lives and strengthens the fabric of the communities you protect,” said Bundy. 

View all 2025 ICC award recipients here.   

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