It is with great pride that we announce the 2025-2026 CALBO Awards Recipients. We are grateful for these CALBO members contributions to the building safety community.

Building Department of the Year

County of Butte

The County of Butte Building Division is the 2025-2026 recipient of the Building Department of the Year Award, recognized for its unwavering commitment to serving its local communities. The county’s innovation in service delivery, support of recovery efforts, and community engagement has set a standard of excellence for California jurisdictions.

During this past year, the department fundamentally redefined its operations through a transition to a 100% digital workflow, improving accessibility and efficiency for residents navigating building safety requirements.  This transformation included implementation of a new Accela permitting system, deployment of Starlink connectivity for rural field operations, and the introduction of concurrent plan review processes that significantly reduced turnaround times.  The department maintained high service levels throughout, offering next-business-day inspections, fast-track review options, and streamlined customer service. 

Serving a community shaped by resilience through a decade of disasters, Butte County’s commitment to recovery extends well beyond its operational responsibilities.  Through innovative programs such as free pre-approved small home master plans, permit fee assistance grants, and a dedicated Rebuild Advocate through the Hazard Mitigation grant, the department has removed barriers for residents working to rebuild their homes and lives.  Their code enforcement team further supports community growth through proactive outreach, achieving high voluntary compliance rates and integrating enforcement with social services to assist vulnerable populations. 

The department also stands out for its staff’s extensive community engagement, such as participating in and leading workshops, community meetings, cleanup events, and public education initiatives throughout the year. Staff further demonstrate leadership through CALBO, County Building Officials Association of California and ICC regional chapter participation, mentorship of future building safety professionals, and contributions to statewide code development efforts.

CALBO commends the County of Butte Building Division for its thoughtful approach and commitment to its communities, reflected in its efficient operations and consistent delivery of high-quality public service.  Congratulations to the department and its staff on this well-deserved recognition!

Building Official of the Year

John Caprarelli, City of Santa Clarita

John Caprarelli is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Building Official of the Year.  Mr. Caprarelli has served the City of Santa Clarita Building and Safety Division for over twenty years as a Senior, Associate and Assistant Engineer and now as the City Building Official.

With decades of experience in building safety, Mr. Caprarelli has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the code profession.  As a Professional Engineer, Certified Building Official, and Certified Access Specialist, he brings a well-rounded and highly technical perspective to his work.  Under his leadership, a team of 30 building safety professionals supports a department that issues nearly 5,500 permits, conducts over 36,000 inspections, and oversees more than $400 million in new construction valuation. 

As a building official, Mr. Caprarelli goes beyond his core administrative responsibilities by strengthening public service and elevating the role of the building safety profession within the Santa Clarita community.  He promotes public outreach through social media and engaging video campaigns that increase awareness of the importance of codes and regulations to public safety while fostering a strong team culture within his staff.  Through hands-on training, one-one-one mentorship, and support for CASp certification for his staff, he is actively shaping the next generation of building safety professionals in Santa Clarita and beyond.

In addition to his leadership in local government, Mr. Caprarelli has made significant contributions to CALBO and the broader building safety community as a trusted instructor in accessibility and structural topics at the CALBO Education Weeks and through CALBO On Demand, as well as an active member of the CALBO Access Committee.  His ability to translate complex codes into clear, actionable guidance, combined with his use of interactive virtual resources, has made him a respected voice in California and nationwide, earning him the CALBO Training Institute Educator of the Year in 2022.

John Caprarelli exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, forward-thinking building official. CALBO proudly celebrates his lasting impact on the building safety profession, his leadership within both the City of Santa Clarita and the CALBO organization, and his continued influence in shaping the next generation of building safety professionals.

Fire Official of the Year

CALFIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal Team 

CALBO is proud to recognize the CALFIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal team with the 2025-2026 CALBO Fire Official of the Year Award.  This award recognizes their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to protecting California’s communities and strengthening collaboration among fellow code officials and building safety colleagues.

Through its multifaceted programs and initiatives, the OSFM staff play a critical role in wildfire mitigation, fire prevention, and emergency response.  From defensible space and vegetation management programs to community risk reduction and post-disaster recovery efforts, they demonstrate a proactive and coordinated approach to safeguarding California’s built and natural environments.  Their leadership in wildfire resilience has been instrumental in helping California communities prepare for and respond to increasingly complex fire challenges.

The OSFM staff’s impact is further reflected in its participation in code development and adoption, ensuring that California’s code standards together remain responsive and effective.  The OSFM also played a key role in the development and implementation of the California Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, now established as Part 7 of Title 24, strengthening statewide standards for wildfire resilience in the built environment.  Through their active code advisory committees, regulation development, and collaboration with other agencies, the OSFM staff help shape policies that directly influence building safety and fire protection practices statewide. 

Equally important is the OSFM staff’s commitment to outreach and collaboration.  Through training programs, public resources, and participation in various regional, statewide, and national committees, they provide critical guidance and support to local jurisdictions, industry members, and the public.  CALBO members benefit greatly from staff engagement at the CALBO Annual Business Meeting, the CALBO Education Weeks, and in the CALBO/CalFPOs Building and Fire Advisory Committee, where staff routinely provide critical updates, technical guidance, and real-time insights that help jurisdictions navigate code changes and address emerging fire and life safety challenges. 

CALBO is proud to honor the CALFIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal team for their individual and collective roles in supporting safer, more resilient communities while maintaining a continued partnership with fellow California code officials.

Industry Achievement

Symbium

Symbium is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Industry Achievement Award in recognition of their collaborative and forward-thinking partnership with local government, seeking solutions that ensure compliance while balancing the needs of jurisdictional staff and the communities they serve.

Symbium has a unique beginning founded at Stanford University’s CodeX and the Computer Science Department.  From those Academic beginnings, they continues to distinguish themselves by translating complex laws and regulations into practical, accessible systems and tools for both building departments and the public.

Most notably, Symbium has partnered with many California jurisdictions to support compliance with SB 379, the state mandate requiring automated, real-time permitting for residential solar projects, while accessing CalAPP grant funding and integrating with existing permitting systems. Their recent work with the City of Bakersfield also demonstrates what Symbium’s unique approach to technology, collaboration, and compliance can achieve. Bakersfield became the first city in the nation to launch AI-powered instant permitting across a wide range of clean energy and residential projects.  This system aligns with Bakersfield’s Sustainable Opportunities Advancing Resilience (SOAR) initiative, which aims to address climate challenges while fostering economic growth and community development.  Symbium continues to expand into other states bringing scalable solutions that reflect the success of its work in California.

Symbium’s commitment to the building safety profession extends beyond technology, demonstrated through its team’s active engagement at the local level.  CEO Leila Banijamali participates in monthly ICC Chapter meetings across California and serves as Legislative Committee Co-Chair for County Building Officials Association of California (CBOAC), where she leverages her technology and legal background to foster engagement among industry, government, and code officials.

CALBO is not only the organization to notice Symbium’s vital contributions.  They are the winner of the 2023 Association for Corporate Growth Awards in San Francisco, was a finalist in the 2022 ALP Alain Colmerauer Prolog Heritage Prize, has been recognized as a GovTech 100 company in 2023, 2022, and 2021, and is a 2020 Ivory Prize awardee for innovations in regulation and policy to achieve housing affordability.

CALBO recognizes Symbium and its team for their meaningful partnerships and continued contributions to advancing innovative approaches to permitting practices for local California agencies, helping them better serve their communities while achieving compliance.

Course Development Merit

Susan Dowty

Susan Dowty is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Course Development Merit Award in recognition of her role in the launch of CALBO On Demand, a new resource that strengthens the organization’s technical capacity and expands access to vital code and professional development training for building safety professionals.

For over thirty five years, Ms. Dowty has been a trusted partner within the CALBO community and building safety industry through her participation and promotion of the building code and code enforcement professions.  Following her retirement as a Regional Manager and member of the Government Relations team at the International Code Council (ICC), Ms. Dowty joined the CALBO team as a consultant with a special focus for online learning.

Ms. Dowty’s contributions were instrumental in establishing the foundation of CALBO On Demand, delivering accurate, relevant, and practical content that meets the needs of current and future generations.  Drawing on her expertise as a structural engineer and code professional, she assisted in course development, reviewing materials, and ensuring technical accuracy across the platform.  Through collaboration with instructors, CALBO staff, and the CALBO Training Institute, Ms. Dowty helped create a user friendly platform that supports flexible, self-paced learning, improving consistency in code education, and supporting workforce development that helps industry members stay current and aligned with evolving standards and regulations.

In addition to her behind the scenes contributions, Ms. Dowty also served as an instructor, delivering a CALBO On Demand course.  This level of participation reflects her commitment to the platform’s success.  Her ability to translate member needs into accessible and relevant content has helped establish a strong foundation for CALBO On Demand programming and its continued growth.

CALBO congratulates Susan Dowty on this award for her dedication to advancing CALBO through its innovative next chapter with CALBO On Demand, helping ensure the organization remains relevant and responsive to evolving professional development needs that support long-term career growth in building safety.

CALBO Training Institute Educator of the Year

Susan Moe

Susan Moe is the recipient of the 2025-2026 CALBO Training Institute Educator of the Year Award recognizing her outstanding contributions to CALBO’s training and her continued commitment to advancing accessibility education and outreach within the building safety community.

Ms. Moe has demonstrated exceptional dedication as a CALBO Education Week and webinar instructor, delivering high-quality training that supports building officials, inspectors, and plan reviewers across California.  Each year, she develops new training materials for full-day courses while leading numerous live webinars, providing timely and relevant instruction on accessibility code requirements and standards.

Her trainings cover a range of specialized topics, including nuanced code interpretation, public right of way guidelines, and electric vehicle charging, drawing on her career with DSA and now in the private sector as an accessibility consultant.  Her teaching is recognized for its clarity and practical application, equipping attendees with tools they can immediately apply in their work.

In addition to her instructional contributions, Ms. Moe serves as Chair of the CALBO Access Committee, where her leadership has been instrumental in the development of accessibility resources, some of which are now incorporated into CALBO training materials.  Her collaborative approach and commitment to consistency in code interpretation have strengthened accessibility dialogue and expanded understanding of accessibility standards among CALBO members.

CALBO congratulates Susan Moe for her leadership and dedication to education reflected in her development of meaningful accessibility resources and efforts to promote consistent and effective code application statewide.

Congratulations to all!

For a complete list of CALBO Award Recipients from years past, please visit the Award and Hall of Fame page located on the CALBO website.