Art Dahlberg and the City of Cincinnati Building Department Honored With 2024 Innovation in Code Administration Award

The International Code Council is proud to recognize its peers and colleagues who reflect the organization’s mission: demonstrating a dedication to developing model codes and standards to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient buildings.

The Code Council presented the 2024 Innovation in Code Administration Award to the City of Cincinnati Building Department for their commitment to innovation in the delivery of code administration services to their community.

The Importance of Communication and Innovation

To Art Dahlberg, Director of the Department of Buildings and Inspections for the City of Cincinnati, innovation includes problem-solving – which relies heavily upon communication.

Dahlberg has invested 40 years into his career which he said is mostly characterized by sharing knowledge and prioritizing safety. It’s what pushes him, the city of Cincinnati and the industry forward.

Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Dahlberg found himself taking a steel design course the year after the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City collapsed in 1981.

His professor took the tragedy as an opportunity to teach his students about the importance of design beyond aesthetics. The collapse became the main storyline of the class and, thus, the inspiration behind why he pursued a role in building inspection.

Dahlberg earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Kansas City State University. However, before entering the building inspection corner of the industry, he accepted a role as Plan Examiner in Virginia. There, he became the Director of the Code Enforcement Bureau for the City of Richmond, Virginia, where he developed his ideals around both communication and innovation.

Gaining experience in this role and working in various localities would provide him with valuable insights into different aspects of building development, highlighting the unique strengths and challenges of each community.

Advancing the Building Safety Industry Through Collaboration

Working in a building department within a fire department, performing plan reviews while also gaining knowledge of fire safety, gave Dahlberg a deep understanding of the interdependence between the two departments. However, he also observed that these departments often operated independently, leaving customers caught in the middle and missing opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.

For example, considerations like fire truck access, water supply availability and the quantity and facilitation of water are critical to both fire safety and building design. These shared priorities underscore the need for integration between the two fields.

Throughout his career, Dahlberg’s experience on both sides of building development and safety has enabled him to create innovative solutions and programs that bridge gaps and enhance collaboration.

Strengthening the Future of Building Inspection

Upon determining that one person taking on plan examination and inspection would lead to a more uniform interpretation of code, the City of Cincinnati Building Department implemented the change. Additionally, they introduced a walkthrough program staffed by building inspectors but managed by the plan examination department. This approach fostered collaboration and improved communication, transforming the teams into stronger partners and streamlining processes to better serve the customer.

Addressing this communication challenge paved the way for further advancements, including the creation of a Building Inspector Academy. At a time when the department faced difficulties recruiting talent—many applicants were from outside the community—Dahlberg and the City of Cincinnati Building Department collaborated with the state of Ohio. These efforts culminated in the development of a 46-week intensive training program for residents with a passion for building inspection.

Recognizing the applicants’ need for education and hands-on experience, the city committed to funding their training, which includes extensive classroom instruction followed by practical fieldwork. This initiative not only developed skilled professionals but also strengthened ties within the community.

“You’re paying people and you’re not getting any work product out of them for over a year. It was a bit of a hard sell, but I think everybody saw that there are so many benefits not just for staffing, but for creating pathways to help people see building inspection as a true career,” said Dahlberg. 

This investment into the program would prove to be successful. Over 20 students, half of which are African American and five of whom are women, would make up the first class whose success would lead to the approval of a second class.

“The diversity represents our community. Finding ways for folks other than the traditional people that are in the construction roles to be gaining entry, to me, is just huge,” said Dahlberg.

Dahlberg’s work and the City of Cincinnati’s Building Department’s investment into incoming building inspectors has proven that communication is not only the key to innovation, but to exercising a safety-first approach.

“So much of what regulators do is sharing knowledge,” he said.

Dahlberg’s membership with the Code Council continues to perpetuate his passion for community, communication and advancement. As recipients of the 2024 Innovation in Code Administration Award, Dahlberg and the City of Cincinnati Building Department continue to demonstrate a passion for keeping communities safe and connected. 

To learn more about the Code Council’ annual awards, click here.