Gavin Baum-Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of City Detect, joins Speaking in Code to explain how AI-powered computer vision is helping cities identify graffiti, litter, illegal dumping, vacant properties, and other community issues using cameras mounted on vehicles already traveling the streets.

Gavin also discusses privacy, implementation, and his journey from Army intelligence and law school to building a civic technology company.

Meet the real code enforcement officer behind the cartoon.

Richard Torres is a Code Enforcement Officer with 4LEAF and the face behind “Officer Richard Teaches Code,” an animated series designed to introduce children and younger audiences to code enforcement in a fun and approachable way.

Recorded at the Code Comply Summit, Richard joins Nathan Ball to talk about becoming an animated character, getting recognized at an ICC conference as “the cartoon,” and working as a floating code enforcement officer across multiple California jurisdictions.

Richard also discusses his philosophy toward enforcement and why he sees education and helping people achieve compliance as some of the most important parts of the job.

From explaining code enforcement as “telling people to cut their grass in a very nice way” to encouraging a new generation to discover the profession, meet the real Officer Richard.

Speaking in Code is brought to you through support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council.

Host: Nathan Ball
Executive Producer: Topher Barnes

What does code enforcement look like when you're the entire department?

Mike Bellamy is the sole Code Enforcement Officer for Lamar, Colorado, serving a community of roughly 8,000 people. But his path to the profession was anything but typical.

Recorded at the Code Comply Summit, Mike joins Nathan Ball to talk about his journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to working as a mechanic, owning a trucking company, serving on City Council, and eventually finding a new calling in code enforcement.

Mike shares how those experiences changed the way he approaches compliance, including why listening, compassion, and understanding someone's circumstances can sometimes accomplish more than simply issuing a citation.

He also tells the powerful story of an elderly fellow Marine he encountered during a code enforcement case, a moment that reminded him that behind every property and every violation is a person.

After more than four decades spent in other careers, Mike says he may have finally found the profession he was meant to be in.

Speaking in Code is brought to you through support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council.

Host: Nathan Ball
Executive Producer: Topher Barnes

What happens when code enforcement goes from shutting down illegal cannabis shops to helping build a legal, regulated industry? Nathan Ball sits down with Yvette Portugal, Code Enforcement Manager for the City of Santa Ana..also known by some as the “Cannabis Queen.” Yvette shares how Santa Ana confronted an estimated 150–200 illegal cannabis facilities, transitioned to a regulated market, and developed an approach that balances enforcement with helping legitimate businesses succeed. Yvette explains why she believes Santa Ana's cannabis program has worked... and why other jurisdictions have looked to the city as a model.

Dan Nash spent 27 years as a state trooper before dedicating his work to fighting human trafficking. In this compelling conversation, he explains what most people misunderstand about trafficking, the encounter that changed the direction of his career, and why code enforcement professionals may be uniquely positioned to recognize victims others miss.

Autumn Saylor, Vice President of Credentialing for the International Code Council, joins Speaking in Code from the CodeComply Summit to take us behind the scenes of ICC certification exams. She explains how exams are developed, why industry subject matter experts are essential, and what’s ahead for ICC’s growing code enforcement credentialing program. Autumn also shares her 18-year journey at ICC, from administrative support to vice president.

Karyn Beebe joins Speaking in Code to discuss her journey from structural engineering to government relations with ICC. She shares how building design changes across regions, why local chapters and code development matter, what she is teaching at EduCode, and one unforgettable tornado story from the field.

In this episode, we connect with Farouk Savji from Clariti live at EduCode to talk about why this conference continues to be one of the best gatherings in the country for code education and professional development.Farouk shares what makes EduCode special - from the quality of instruction to the opportunity for meaningful conversations among building officials, permit techs, inspectors, and community development professionals.We also dive into Clariti’s Community Development software platform and how it supports:• Permitting• Plan review• Inspections• Code enforcement• End-to-end community development workflowsFarouk explains how modern, purpose-built solutions can help jurisdictions streamline operations, improve transparency, and better serve their communities — all while supporting the critical work of code professionals.If you're interested in education, innovation in local government, or the future of community development technology, this is a great listen.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations from leaders in building safety and community development.🎧 Listen, learn, and keep Speaking In Code.#SpeakingInCode #EduCode #CommunityDevelopment #Permitting #BuildingSafety #CodeEnforcement

40 Years of Building Code & Consulting Expertise with Bob Heinrich

Live from EduCode 2026 at The Orleans in Las Vegas, Nathan Ball sits down with Bob Heinrich, President and Principal of VCA, to talk about the company’s nearly 40-year history and its evolution in the building safety and code consulting industry.

Bob shares the story behind VCA, how the firm has grown and adapted over the decades, and the role experienced code professionals and consultants play in helping jurisdictions, design professionals, and the development community navigate an increasingly complex built environment.

It’s a conversation about experience, relationships, industry change, and what it takes to build a company that lasts.

Speaking in Code is brought to you through support from the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council. All rights reserved.

Host: Nathan Ball
Executive Producer: Topher Barnes

In this episode of Speaking In Code, we sit down with John Belcik, CEO of the International Code Council, for an engaging and insightful conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of building safety.John shares the story of his professional journey and what ultimately led him to serve as CEO of one of the most influential organizations in the built environment. The discussion explores the truly international reach of the International Code Council and how its work supports safer buildings and stronger communities around the world.In this episode we discuss:• John’s path to becoming CEO of the ICC• The global impact and international partnerships of the organization• Emerging AI initiatives connected to digital codes and smarter search tools• How AI can be thoughtfully applied to improve accessibility and usability for code professionals• The continued importance of education and collaboration at events like EduCodeFrom technology and leadership to the global mission of building safety, this conversation provides a fascinating look at where the industry is headed.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the built environment.🎧 Listen, learn, and keep Speaking In Code.#SpeakingInCode #ICC #BuildingSafety #EduCode #ArtificialIntelligence #CodeOfficials