The Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) named Tom Phillips Building Official for the City of Kirkland as its 2009 Building Official of the Year.

Phillips was recognized for his leadership in working with WABO members on development of the new Washington Cities Electrical Code, which is currently being considered by many cities for adoption. Phillips represents Washington cities as a member of the State Electrical Board. WABO also acknowledged Phillips’ service on the State Building Code Council’s Building Code Technical Advisory Group and his chairmanship of the MyBuildingPermit.com management committee. MyBuildingPermit.com is one of several efforts of ECityGov, an alliance of cities that formed an inter-local agency with a mission of providing Web-based services to their constituents. Phillips was hired in 2006 by the City of Kirkland and manages a 19-person division responsible for permit processing, plan review and inspections of building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. For more information about the Building Services Division, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/building.