How Lexington, Kentucky, Used BRIC Funding for Building Department Accreditation

By taking advantage of improved digitization and modernization, the city of Lexington, Kentucky bolstered its inspection processes between 2018 and 2019. A cornerstone of this initiative was the pursuit of Building Department Accreditation (BDA) through the International Accreditation Service (IAS).

BDA signifies a building department’s commitment to delivering high-quality services, adhering to proven best practices and ensuring the safety and welfare of the communities they serve.

Grant funding obtained through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program was key to the city’s transformation. This federal grant program is designed to support communities in their efforts to build resilience against natural disasters and other hazards and is funded by FEMA.

By channeling BRIC funds toward their accreditation and modernization initiative, Lexington was able to significantly accelerate their progress.

See Related: Harnessing BRIC Funding: Paving the Way for Virtual Inspections

5 Ways BRIC Funding Was Instrumental in Advancing Lexington’s Inspection Department

1. Resource Amplification: Obtaining the BRIC grant facilitated the allocation of essential resources required to undertake the accreditation process. It provided the financial backing necessary for acquiring modern digital systems, training personnel and aligning operations with the high standards stipulated by the IAS accreditation criteria.
2. Digitization and Modernization: The BRIC funds were a jump start for the digitization of Lexington’s inspection processes. Modern software solutions were adopted, paving the way for real-time data access, streamlined workflows and improved accuracy in their inspections. This digital shift bolstered their operational efficiency but also significantly contributed towards meeting BDA requirements.
3. Professionalism and Accountability: The journey towards BDA underscored the spirit of professionalism and accountability within the department. It instigated a culture of continuous improvement, with the BRIC funding providing the requisite support for professional development and the establishment of standardized procedures.
4. Community Resilience: By aligning BRIC funding with their BDA pursuit, Lexington was able to create a stronger foundation for community resilience. Accreditation ensured their adherence to safety codes and standards, contributing to a safer and more resilient built environment in the city.
5. Enhanced Stakeholder Confidence: Achieving BDA significantly elevated the level of confidence among stakeholders. It demonstrated Lexington’s commitment to excellence and its capability to ensure public safety effectively.

See Related: Fortifying Our Future: The BRIC Program’s Unprecedented Support for Building Codes

International Code Council Support for Strengthening Building Departments with BRIC Funding

The experience in Lexington serves as an example for other building departments across the nation. Leveraging BRIC funding to pursue Building Department Accreditation is a strategic move that brings many advantages.

It not only propels departments towards operational excellence but also positions them as reliable stewards of public safety and community resilience. This initiative has established a strong example, demonstrating how federal grants, accreditation efforts, and the main goal of creating safer and stronger communities work together in a mutually beneficial way.

The Code Council is here to help you improve your community’s implementation and enforcement efforts through grant funding.

If you would like to learn more about how your community can leverage BRIC funds in the FY 2023 application cycle, where states have access to $2 million each for code-related activities, click here or reach out to Stella Carr, Code Council Energy and Resilience Project Manager.