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Fireworks Independence Day Help Desk Staffing


The Building Energy Codes Program will have reduced staffing July 4 – July 8, 2024 for the Independence Day holiday weekend.  Response times may be delayed.  Please expect to receive responses after July 8, 2024.

2018 National Energy Codes Conference - Keynote Speaker

Stephen Costello

Steve is an engineer with a background in flood control and drainage. His first job in Texas was with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston. He co-founded Costello, Inc. in 1991, a Houston civil engineering and surveying firm named repeatedly as one of the "Best Places to Work" by the Houston Business Journal. He served as president of the local and state chapters of the American Council of Engineering Companies and was named "Engineer of the Year" in 2014 by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

Steve served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council for six years from January 2010 to December 2015. In May of 2016, Mayor Turner appointed Mr. Costello as the city's chief resilience officer. His primary task is to focus on the flooding and drainage issues facing the city, thus his "Flood Czar" label.

Steve is currently an active board member of Family Houston, a 114-year old nonprofit providing case management and counseling services to families in need. He also has served on the boards of the Memorial Park Conservancy, SER Jobs for Progress, and Marathon Kids.

Steve is a longtime runner and triathlete. He and his wife Debbie raised two sons in Houston and are now proud grandparents to three granddaughters.