A new code compliance program in Syracuse makes community engagement a priority.
Sarah Moses reports on an innovative code compliance program in the city of Syracuse.
"Through the new Tenant-Owner-Proactive (TOP) program," writes Moses, "code inspectors will be assigned to specific areas determined by block-level data, prioritized by health and safety violations." Previously code inspectors were "assigned to work citywide, addressing cases individually when complaints are received."
The benefit of the more targeted approach, according to city officials, will be improved community engagement.
The TOP program is currently a pilot, working in neighborhoods on the city's North Side. The next mayor will evaluate the program.
FULL STORY: Syracuse mayor introduces code violations program being piloted on North Side

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