Building Inspection Commission delays selection of recruitment firm for DBI director

The Building Inspection Commission on April 21 heard a report from the Department of Human Resources on firms that responded to a request for proposals to recruit a permanent director for the Department of Building Inspection.

Deputy Director Kate Howard presented two proposals: Alliance Resource Consulting (fee $38,500; an 11‑week timeline to finalist interviews; municipal recruitment experience) and M Oppenheim (fee $58,592; six‑week timeline; nonprofit experience). Howard said DHR’s recommendation was to proceed with Alliance because of its recent city and department‑head recruitment record and its experience recruiting diverse candidate pools. "Our recommendation is that you move forward with Alliance Resource Consulting," she told commissioners.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about scope, fee structure and references. Commissioner Alexander Toot recused himself from contracting discussions because his agency oversees entities covered by the city's 14b contracting ordinance. Commissioners and members of the public urged that the commission receive and review the firms’ written proposals and sample recruitments before making a contract decision.

Vice President Tam moved — and Commissioner Jacobo seconded — to continue the item to next month so commissioners could review the full proposal packages. The roll‑call vote was unanimous.

What’s next: DHR will provide the full proposals and examples of prior recruitments for commissioners to review; the commission will revisit the firm selection at its next meeting.