Code Compliance Services of Arlington, Texas, Honored With 2022 ICC Community Service Award

Each year, the International Code Council recognizes peers and colleagues who are a reflection of what the association stands for: dedication to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. The Code Council honored several outstanding individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and contributions to building safety and resiliency in their communities during the 2022 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The International Code Council’s Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service that promotes public health, safety and welfare. Code Compliance Services of the City of Arlington, Texas, earned this year’s award for building strong community relationships and spearheading innovative programs to make life better for local residents. Brian Daugherty, Code Compliance Services Director, accepted the award on behalf of his team during the Code Council’s Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

“It is a huge accomplishment,” Daugherty said. “Code compliance is not as paramount as, say, public works or law enforcement, to give some examples. So, it is also harder to get recognition for the hard work we do. My staff puts in so much great work in our communities and it is great to see them get the recognition they deserve.”

Free Tool Sharing Program Bolsters Community Service Efforts

In 2021, Code Compliance Services launched its Tool Sharing Program which provides Arlington residents with free access to pressure washers, lawnmowers and other tools to complete home improvement and property clean-up projects. After browsing an online inventory, residents can submit a reservation request and someone from the city will contact them within three days to finalize the details and schedule their equipment drop-off. In just over a year, the Tool Sharing Program has already led to a significant reduction in potential code violations.

“We saw that other cities have done it,” Daugherty said of the program. “But most required a deposit, were limited on availability, or had many other challenges. I liked the original idea, but we improved on it as well. Our program is mobile, meaning we drop off and pick up at their residence, and it does not require a deposit. We did have some worries that tools would show up missing but, to date, we have only had to do maintenance on a few, and none have gone missing.”

Helping Local Residents Through Community Service

Daugherty and his team also launched a new program focused on teamwork and building community partnerships. The Neighborhood Enhancement Team has partnered with 15 Arlington neighborhoods and created bonds with a wide range of volunteers, service organizations and faith-based groups to build a stronger community. Through this program, Code Compliance Services has initiated clean-up events that removed more than 182,000 pounds of trash and debris from the local area. Daugherty wants people to know that Code Compliance Services is on their side. “I want people to know that we are here to help,” he said. “We don’t want to come and inspect your property and write you a bunch of citations. We want to know what challenges you have and how can we assist in handling them.”

While the Code Compliance Services department sometimes encounters unhappy residents or has to navigate complicated situations, Daugherty sees those moments as opportunities to create connections and provide assistance. In fact, the residents of Arlington are what he loves most about his job.

“I love talking to people and hearing about their concerns,” he said. “Most people see someone who is really mad and yelling, but I look at it like a challenge. They are frustrated, but let’s see if we can improve their situation. Maybe their improved situation will inspire them to help their neighbor, and so on. It can be contagious, and that is what we want to happen.”

Community Services Driven by Passion

In addition to the Tool Services Program and the Neighborhood Enhancement Team, the Code Compliance Services department leads many other community service initiatives in Arlington, including free graffiti removal, apartment inspection and safety ratings, educational programs, and more. At the core of these efforts is strong relationship-building in the community. Daugherty attributes his team’s success to their hard work and passion.

“I always joke that if I get out of the way, my staff can do amazing things,” Daugherty said. “They are in all these neighborhoods talking to people, making those bonds and connections. So many of the issues going on today are because people aren’t talking to one another. That is a big concern for us. So, we try to be as helpful as we can and listen to citizens and their issues. My staff has done so well and improved so many neighborhoods. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Daugherty loves his team and the work they get to do together to make the City of Arlington a safer place to live, work, and play. While he may not have known that his career path would lead to where it is now, he is so glad that it did.

“Honestly, I was just trying to get out of selling and installing flooring,” Daugherty said with a laugh. “I was able to get hired on as an inspector, and I loved it. Now, 16 years later, I am the director of the department. I am a lucky guy.”

The International Code Council congratulates Brian Daugherty and the Code Compliance Services team for the City of Arlington, Texas, on earning the 2022 International Code Council Community Service Award.