Code Enforcement Association of Texas (CEAT) Annual Conference 2016
For the fifth consecutive year, Safeguard’s community initiatives department was honored to sponsor, exhibit and contribute to the educational curriculum at the annual conference of the Code Enforcement Association of Texas (CEAT). Over 150 code officers from all regions of the Lone Star State gathered in Laredo for four days of networking with colleagues and sponsors. They also sharpened their skill sets with up-to-date information about the most pressing issues facing their communities, including foreclosures and vacant properties.
Heather Lazar, community relations liaison, kicked off the new year by conducting a class on the mortgage servicing world and innovative solutions for cities. Attendees were so interested to learn about the ins-and-outs of the foreclosure process, and the best practices for maintaining vacant properties, that the original room for the class quickly became too small to accommodate the expanding group. As more code officers learned how a partnership with mortgage servicers could assist their day-to-day operations, CEAT quickly found a larger room for the class to continue. This is testimony to the importance of sharing this noteworthy information.
The class dialogue was interactive and productive as Heather reviewed the active parties involved in a foreclosure and the actions taken to preserve and protect properties. Escalating maintenance violations was discussed and code enforcement officers were armed with the necessary tools needed to inform, as well as collaborate with the industry to find resolution and create a win-win for all.
To close the class, Compliance Connections® was highlighted as a viable tool for identifying a direct point of contact for a vacant property, opening the lines of communication between cities and the mortgage servicing industry, and expediting the resolution of properties that are out of compliance. Attendees identified that utilizing Compliance Connections® within their toolboxes could potentially save valuable time and limited city resources.
Safeguard congratulates the city of Laredo for hosting a wonderful conference. In 2017, the city of Tyler will open its doors to highlight its assets as it welcomes code officers to CEAT’s annual event. Safeguard will be on hand to show its continued support of CEAT and its member network. This partnership is the essence of collaboration and we are grateful to play an active and ongoing role.
The CEAT Conference was held in Laredo, TX.
