Appoint Elizabeth Brett and Sharon Nobbe to the Building Code Board of Appeal for terms to expire December 13, 2025
As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following appointment to the Building Code Board of Appeal.
The Building Code Board of Appeal consists of three regular members and three alternates. All members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues. I am recommending two candidates for appointments to vacant positions on the Building Code Board of Appeal for 3-year terms running from December 14, 2022 through December 13, 2025.
| Appointment | Membership Category | 1st Full Term |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Brett | Architect | December 14, 2022 - December 13, 2025 |
| Sharon Nobbe | Architect | December 14, 2022 - December 13, 2025 |
Elizabeth Brett is a licensed architect in Oregon and Arizona and has worked in the architecture profession for over 20 years working on complex public community-based projects. She has focused her career supporting educational institutions and non-profits in an effort to strengthen our communities and encourage youth and young adults in their educational endeavors. She recently took a position at Shiels Obletz Johnsen, a project management firm in Portland and Seattle focused on guiding public and private development projects from concept through construction. Through her work experience, she has honed her skills in developing strong connections and working collaboratively with teams and is passionate about partnering with others to make lasting changes in the process and outcomes within the built environment.
Statement from Elizabeth Brett:
“I have worked with local and regional organizations focusing on equity and inclusion. These organizations address social justice issues with a lens focused on race, understanding it is at the core of all diversity and equity challenges. One example of this is Social Justice Fund, an organization that fundraises money for other social justice organizations in Oregon and four other surrounding states. A critical component of our work was to understand where our own biases would impact decisions and how to address those within our group. Our work in this organization focused on understanding institutional standards founded in racism and structural racist practices. We need to evaluate, with a critical lens, what we “know” and develop change in everything we do. Through this process we discussed our own identities, perspectives, and privilege.”
Sharon Nobbe is an architect with 30+ years of practice in active learning, anticipating, and participating in the evolution of our design and construction industry and its technology. She is experienced working with many construction types and building uses including wood frame single family to high rise concrete and mass timber mixed use buildings. Her early career work in the Midwest formed a foundation for obtaining approvals across states, cities and eventually the international waters. Moving to the Northwest added experience working with density, land reclamation, phasing and sustainability. Her first hand work in traditional Architecture offices, design-build Construction companies and on the Owner's side as a Construction coordinator brings understanding of the challenges and motivations in planning and construction. Her most recent endeavors are learning the nuances of existing building renovations making it possible to extend the life and practical use for the generations ahead.
Statement from Sharon Nobbe:
“As a Technical Advocate with Ankrom Moisan I supported a 200 + person architecture firm with offices in 3 states. Previous to that while working with Otak, I was an essential team member starting and supporting offices in 3 states and 2 countries. In this work, I have succeeded by maintaining a long term vision, employing critical thinking and engaging experts while we find common ground. Because of my experience working in the many iterations of the International Codes with regional interpretations and practices I understand its primary purposes and work towards how it applies so that necessary change can happen without manipulation or sacrifice to life and safety. Well executed buildings often appear simple and elegant solutions -- getting there and assisting others in that endeavor is gratifying for me. Additionally, being the middle child of five established my strengths as a listener, observer and peacekeeper. Working with clients and contractors while incorporating advances in technology and sustainability has honed my abilities. I see the variety of demands, the balance of power and a path to achieving a desirable outcome. I offer this mix of experience to the Board.”
These two candidates will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the Building Code Board of Appeal in support of the Bureau of Development Services, the other City development bureaus, the development community, and all Portlanders.
With these appointments, all the positions on the Board will be filled.
Official Record (Efiles)
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
The Building Code Board of Appeal consists of three regular members and three alternates. All members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
The Building Code Board of Appeal appointments and reappointments are citizen-volunteer positions, so no revenue or expenses are incurred by this legislation.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
The Building Code Board of Appeal consists of three regular members and three alternates. All members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues.
With these appointments, all the positions on the Board will be filled.
100% Renewable Goal
This legislation appoints citizen volunteers to serve on the Building Code Board of Appeal and will therefore have no impact on the City’s energy use. This legislation neither contributes to nor detracts from the City’s goal of meeting 100% of community-wide energy needs with renewable energy by 2050.
Agenda Items
1038 Time Certain in December 14-15, 2022 Council Agenda
Confirmed
- Commissioner Mingus Mapps Yea
- Commissioner Carmen Rubio Yea
- Commissioner Dan Ryan Yea
- Former Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty Yea
- Mayor Ted Wheeler Yea