As of January 2022, there were a few municipalities in the United States that allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections, but no entire states. These municipalities included:
San Francisco, California: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in school board elections.
Chicago, Illinois: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in school board elections.
Takoma Park, Maryland: Non-citizens are allowed to vote in local elections.
It’s worth noting that these policies may change over time as local governments make decisions regarding voting rights. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to consult the specific laws and regulations of each municipality or state.
“Election Day, 1944” | Norman Rockwell for the Saturday Evening Post
School bond elections — either at county or district level — are processes through which communities vote to authorize the issuance of bonds to fund various projects and improvements in their local school districts. The elections determine the quality of educational settlements –new school buildings, renovating existing facilities, upgrading technology, and improving safety measures. The outcomes of these elections directly affect the quality of education and learning environments for students within the county. Successful bond measures can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and attracting families to the area.
Community involvement and voter turnout are essential in determining the allocation of resources and shaping the quality of life for its citizens. In recent years, however, voter ambivalence about the education “industry” in general, the rise of home schooling and other cultural factors, complicate choices presented to voters.
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Scope: Standardization in the field of doors, doorsets, windows, and curtain wall including hardware, manufactured from any suitable material covering the specific performance requirements, terminology, manufacturing sizes and dimensions, and methods of test. The Japanese Engineering Standards Committee is the Global Secretariat.
Multinational manufacturing and trade in the door manufacturing industry involve the production, distribution, and sale of doors across international borders. This industry encompasses a wide range of door types, including residential, commercial, industrial, and specialty doors. Here are some of the key fine points to consider in multinational manufacturing and trade within the door manufacturing sector:
Global Supply Chains:
Multinational door manufacturers often have complex global supply chains. Raw materials, components, and finished products may be sourced from various countries to optimize costs and quality.
Regulatory Compliance:
Compliance with international trade regulations and standards is crucial. This includes adhering to import/export laws, product safety regulations, and quality standards, such as ISO certifications.
Market Segmentation:
Different regions and countries may have varying preferences for door types, materials, and styles. Multinational manufacturers need to adapt their product offerings to meet local market demands.
Distribution Networks:
Establishing efficient distribution networks is essential. This involves selecting appropriate distribution channels, including wholesalers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms, in different countries.
Tariffs and Trade Barriers:
Import tariffs and trade barriers can significantly impact the cost of doing business across borders. Understanding and navigating these trade policies is essential for multinational door manufacturers.
Localization:
Multinational manufacturers often localize their products to suit the preferences and requirements of specific markets. This may involve language translation, customization of door designs, or adjustments to product dimensions.
Quality Control:
Ensuring consistent product quality across borders is critical for maintaining brand reputation. Implementing quality control processes and standards at all manufacturing locations is essential.
Cultural Considerations:
Understanding cultural nuances and local customs can help multinational manufacturers market their products effectively and build strong customer relationships.
Logistics and Transportation:
Efficient logistics and transportation management are essential for timely delivery of doors to international markets. This includes selecting appropriate shipping methods and managing inventory efficiently.
Sustainability:
Sustainability concerns, such as environmental impact and responsible sourcing of materials, are becoming increasingly important in the door manufacturing industry. Multinational manufacturers may need to comply with different environmental regulations in various countries.
Intellectual Property:
Protecting intellectual property, including patents and trademarks, is crucial in a global market. Manufacturers must be vigilant against counterfeiting and IP infringement.
Market Research:
Conducting thorough market research in each target country is essential. This includes understanding local competition, pricing dynamics, and consumer preferences.
Risk Management:
Multinational manufacturing and trade involve various risks, including currency fluctuations, political instability, and supply chain disruptions. Implementing risk mitigation strategies is vital for long-term success.
In summary, multinational manufacturing and trade in the door manufacturing industry require a comprehensive understanding of global markets, regulatory compliance, cultural differences, and logistics. Successfully navigating these complexities can help manufacturers expand their reach and compete effectively in a globalized world.
Relevant agencies:
ASTM International: ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards used in various industries, including construction. ASTM standards cover materials, testing procedures, and specifications related to doors, windows, and associated components.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): NFRC is a U.S.-based organization that focuses on rating and certifying the energy performance of windows, doors, and skylights. They provide performance ratings and labels used by manufacturers to communicate product energy efficiency to consumers.
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA): AAMA is a U.S.-based organization that develops standards and specifications for windows, doors, and curtain walls. Their standards cover performance, design, and testing.
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS): NIBS is involved in research, education, and the development of standards for the building and construction industry in the United States.
Pedestrian bollards protect walkways from vehicle intrusion, guide foot traffic, snow plows and can provide heating and illumination. They should be positioned in front of energy utility services (such as natural gas and electrical power switchgear). at sidewalk entrances, crosswalks, and near pedestrian-heavy zones. Join us today at 16:00 UTC when we examine best practice literature and a few construction details as time allows.
International & General Standards
ASTM F3016 – Standard Test Method for Surrogate Testing of Vehicle Impact Protective Devices at Low Speeds.
ASTM F2656 – Standard Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers.
ASTM A53 / A500 – Standards for steel pipe and tubing used in bollard construction.
ISO 22343 – Vehicle security barrier standards.
U.S. Codes & Regulations
ADA Standards for Accessible Design – Ensures bollards do not create accessibility barriers.
IBC (International Building Code) – Covers structural requirements for bollards in buildings.
Selecting architects for designing large educational campus buildings typically involves a structured process that ensures the chosen architect meets the project’s functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:
1. Defining Project Goals and Requirements
The institution or client identifies the purpose of the building, the estimated budget, sustainability goals, and any specific design or functional needs.
A detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is prepared, outlining project objectives, scope, timeline, and submission requirements.
2. Public Announcement or Invitations
The RFP/RFQ is distributed through professional networks, industry publications, or procurement platforms.
Invitations may also be sent directly to pre-identified firms with expertise in similar projects.
3. Initial Submissions
Interested architectural firms submit their qualifications or proposals. These typically include:
Firm portfolio: Highlighting past projects, especially in educational architecture.
Design approach: How the firm plans to address the project goals.
Team composition: Key personnel and their relevant experience.
References and certifications.
4. Shortlisting Candidates
A committee reviews submissions and shortlists firms based on criteria such as experience, design philosophy, project understanding, and compatibility with the client’s goals.
5. Interviews and Presentations
Shortlisted firms are invited for interviews to present their ideas, discuss their approach, and answer questions.
Some institutions may request preliminary concept designs to gauge creativity and alignment with the campus’s vision.
6. Evaluation of Proposals
Proposals are evaluated based on:
Design capability: Innovation, sustainability, and functional design.
Experience: Success in similar projects.
Cost efficiency: Ability to meet the budget without compromising quality.
Cultural fit: Alignment with the institution’s mission and values.
7. Final Selection
The committee selects the architect based on scoring, deliberations, and sometimes a voting process.
Contract negotiations follow, detailing scope, fees, and deliverables.
8. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
In some cases, stakeholders, including faculty, students, and local communities, are involved in providing feedback or participating in design workshops.
9. Formal Approval
The governing board of the institution or a similar authority often gives final approval.
This process ensures transparency, accountability, and the selection of the most qualified architect for the project.
Education happening outside the home offers several advantages that contribute to the holistic development of children:
Socialization: Interacting with peers and teachers in a structured environment helps children learn social skills, cooperation, and conflict resolution, which are essential for navigating the complexities of adult life.
Diverse Perspectives: Schools expose children to a variety of viewpoints, backgrounds, and cultures, fostering tolerance, empathy, and understanding of diversity.
Specialized Instruction: Qualified educators are trained to teach specific subjects and tailor instruction to different learning styles, ensuring that children receive a well-rounded education.
Access to Resources: Schools provide access to resources such as libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and technology that may not be available at home, enriching the learning experience.
Extracurricular Activities: Schools offer extracurricular activities like sports, music, drama, and clubs, which help children discover their interests, develop talents, and build leadership skills.
Preparation for the Real World: Schools simulate real-world environments, teaching children important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and teamwork, which are crucial for success in adulthood.
Professional Development: Educators undergo continuous training and development to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and educational practices, ensuring high-quality instruction for students.
While home-based learning can complement formal education and offer flexibility, the structured environment and resources provided by schools play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in society.
ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of products, systems, and services. These standards are used by manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and of high quality.
In the field of measurement science, ASTM plays an important role in developing standards and guidelines for measurement techniques and practices. These standards cover a wide range of topics related to measurement science, including the calibration of instruments, the characterization of measurement systems, and the validation of measurement results. They are used by researchers, engineers, and other professionals in academia, industry, and government to ensure that measurements are accurate, precise, and reliable.
ASTM standards for measurement science are developed through a process that involves input from experts in the field, including researchers, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies. These standards are updated regularly to reflect advances in measurement science and technology, as well as changes in industry and regulatory requirements. This is a far better way to discover and promulgate leading practice. In fact, there are regulations intended to restrain the outsized influence of vertical incumbents in legislative precincts where market-making happens.
Elevator, escalator and moving walk systems are among the most complicated systems in any urban environment, no less so than on the #WiseCampus in which many large research universities have 100 to 1000 elevators to safely and economically operate, service and continuously commission. These systems are regulated heavily at state and local levels of government and have oversight from volunteers that are passionate about their work.
These “movement systems” are absorbed into the Internet of Things transformation. Lately we have tried to keep pace with the expansion of requirements to include software integration professionals to coordinate the interoperability of elevators, lifts and escalators with building automation systems for fire safety, indoor air quality and disaster management. Much of work requires understanding of the local adaptations of national building codes.
Some university elevator O&M units use a combination of in-house, manufacturer and standing order contractors to accomplish their safety and sustainability objectives.
In the United States the American Society of Mechanical Engineers is the dominant standards developer of elevator and escalator system best practice titles; its breakdown of technical committees listed in the link below:
As always, we encourage facility managers, elevator shop personnel to participate directly in the ASME Codes & Standards development process. For example, it would be relatively easy for our colleagues in the Phoenix, Arizona region to attend one or more of the technical committee meetings; ideally with operating data and a solid proposal for improving the A17 suite.
All ASME standards are on the agenda of our Mechanical, Pathway and Elevator & Lift colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online teleconferences; open to everyone. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Issue: [11-50]
Category: Electrical, Elevators, #WiseCampus
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Richard Robben, Larry Spielvogel
The development of this standard is coordinated with the ICC Group A Codes. We have tracked concepts in it previous revisions; available in the link below.
As always, we encourage our colleagues with workpoint experience to participate directly in the ICC Code Development process. CLICK HERE to get started.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
