City Receives 2023 American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) Innovative Program & Creative Marketing Award

The City of Cedar Rapids Code Enforcement Division received the 2023 American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) Innovative Program & Creative Marketing award for several initiatives implemented throughout the City including community education campaigns, new programming, innovative training, and staff certifications.  It was a record setting year in which AACE, a national nonprofit association fostering code compliance through its certification program, education, training, and enforcement, received 53 award nominations.  

“Cedar Rapids stood out from other nominations,” said President of the American Association of Code Enforcement, Bryan Wagner. “Because their staff didn't just create one program or initiative, they went all in and created several. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to the code enforcement profession.” 

One initiative mentioned in the nomination was the City’s creation and promotion of a Be a Good Neighbor campaign. The campaign promoted kindness and encouraged residents to be good neighbors by maintaining their properties. Other initiatives include creating a carbon monoxide monitoring program where inspectors carry a personal carbon monoxide alarm during inspections in efforts to alert owners to fix any issues creating the presence of carbon monoxide in the home before anyone becomes seriously ill. Improvements made to city staff include having all staff earn their International Property Maintenance Code certification and several staff achieving Certified Code Enforcement Officer status.  The Division also implemented innovative training programs that promoted inspector personal safety, identification of home hazards like pest infestations, and a legal aspects workshop. 

Additional programs included a door hanger warning program for illegally parked vehicle violations and a task force to address dilapidated properties that can be acquired through tax sale. 

“In order for us to continue serving the community, we need to be innovative about our approaches,” said Building Services Director, Kevin Ciabatti. “These are efforts that we will continue to improve on for years to come to make sure residents are well informed of the important work our professionals do every day in keeping them safe.”