This survey was developed by the National Rural Code Collaborative (NRCC) through engagement with rural stakeholders in Texas and Oklahoma. The purpose of this survey is to answer the following research questions related to the goals of the NRCC for the SPEER region of Texas and Oklahoma.

1. To understand the goals and priorities of rural communities in the state, the organizations supporting rural communities in meeting those goals, and their relationship to energy efficiency

2. To understand the drivers of gaps in energy-code adoption, compliance and enforcement in rural areas of the state

3. To understand how to optimize local workforce development to improve capacity and capability of clean energy workforce in rural communities, including the balance between the demand for projects and job creation and training

We are seeking feedback from Texas and Oklahoma rural community experts, building energy code experts, and construction workforce professionals. Your answers to these questions will inform the design of an impactful pilot program focused on improving code implementation in these rural communities for the next phase of the project. All questions are optional, but please answer to the best of your ability.
All survey respondent information:

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* 1. List the state and county you live in.

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* 2. What county or counties do you primarily work in?

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* 3. Please indicate your rural community connection or expertise. (Select all that apply)

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* 4. Please indicate if you think energy efficiency has a positive effect on each of these rural community goals. (Disagree, Neutral, Agree)

  Agree Neutral Disagree
Increasing available housing units
Increasing housing affordability – for renters and owners
Increasing local, well-paying jobs
Reducing the cost of utility bills
Increasing occupant comfort and indoor air quality inside homes
Enhanced resilience to extreme weather events

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* 5. Please indicate which the following goals and measures are important to rural communities in Texas and Oklahoma from your perspective (select all that apply)

Barriers to Code Enforcement

Building energy codes are a subset of building codes, and they set standards for the efficient use of energy in new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings for heating, cooling, and other end uses.

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* 6. Which of the following statements applied to rural communities in Texas or Oklahoma do you agree with. (select all that apply)

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* 7. If you needed to make a major upgrade to your home or business (like adding insulation or replacing HVAC), would you know how to find out whether a permit is required?

The following questions are focused on Community Education and Outreach/

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* 8. What is the best way to share information about building and energy codes in your rural community in Texas and Oklahoma? (Select all that apply)

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* 9. Are you aware of any organizations that facilitate job placement in rural communities, especially in the building industry (including through partnerships with high schools, trade schools and community colleges and universities) If so, please list them here:

Local Government Support for Energy Code Enforcement: The following questions are directed at local government officials (not building officials).

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* 10. Does your jurisdiction currently employ a code enforcement officer(s)?

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* 11. If not, have you employed a code enforcement officer in the past?

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* 12. Do you currently have a vacancy for a code enforcement officer?

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* 13. Does the jurisdiction support code officials in seeking training by paying for their time and/or any required fees?

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* 14. In your jurisdiction, what are the most frequent challenges you face recruiting and hiring new code enforcement officers? (Select all that apply)

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* 15. Does your jurisdiction partner with or employ third-party organizations or regional organizations to increase code enforcement capacity?

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* 16. Please feel free to provide any additional comments on the role of energy efficiency in addressing the goals of rural communities.

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