The City of Chandler’s Neighborhood Preservation officer team has been recognized as the 2025 Code Enforcement Department of the Year by the Arizona Code Enforcement Association.

The ACEA award celebrates the team’s innovative programs, strong community partnerships and commitment to professional development, according to a news release.

Over the past year, Chandler’s team has launched the Code Enforcement Resident Academy and Graffiti Education Outreach Program, expanded ride-along opportunities for the public, supported businesses with extensive sign code education and invested in staff growth and development through team retreats.

“These accomplishments reflect the team’s creativity and commitment to Chandler residents,” said Neighborhood Preservation Manager Erica Barba. “I’m proud of our hardworking team and the impact they make every day in keeping Chandler a great place to live.”

Highlights of the team’s work, according to the release, include:

• Code Enforcement Resident Academy: This three-week program educates residents on property maintenance, common code violations and the role of code enforcement in preserving Chandler neighborhoods.
• Graffiti Education Program: In partnership with the Chandler Unified School District, more than 1,100 fifth- and sixth-grade students at Title 1 schools learned about graffiti prevention and neighborhood pride. The presentations include a visit from the team’s mascot, Eli the Graffiti Elimination Elf.
• Community Engagement: Increased opportunities for residents, elected officials and city staff to join ride-alongs with neighborhood preservation officers to help better understand the role of code enforcement in promoting safe and clean neighborhoods.
• Business Outreach: After lifting Chandler’s COVID-era temporary sign moratorium, the team worked closely with the business community through mailed letters, brochures and public meetings to help educate and ease the transition back to enforcement.
• Staff Development: The department hosted a full-day retreat focused on team-building activities, collaboration and professional growth to help strengthen camaraderie and morale amongst the team.

For more information about the city’s code enforcement programs, visit Chandler Code.

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