Item 6: Ordinance on the Human Rights Commission

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Action: An Ordinance Concerning the Human Rights Commission and Amending Sections 2.013, 2.265, 2.270, 2.275 and 2.280 of the Eugene Code, 1971 Meeting Date: November 28, 2011 Agenda Item Number: 6 Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Raquel Wells www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8439 ISSUE STATEMENT The proposed ordinance amends sections 2.013, 2.265, 2.270, 2.275 and 2.280, and would update the commission’s structure and focus. A public hearing on the ordinance was held on November 21, 2011. No other changes to the Human Rights Code are affected by the proposed ordinance. BACKGROUND Earlier this year, staff and members of the Human Rights Commission began a community outreach project to look at potential improvements to the City’s current human rights system. Broad input from commissioners, staff and key stakeholders was needed to build understanding of:  the commission’s role with the Mayor and Council, City staff, and the community;  best practices, needs and trends that impact the City’s role and practices around human rights; and,  models for an effective and efficient structure to support the City’s human rights goals. The Human Rights Listening project has been a six-month, intensive project with several phases. The project was overseen by a project team with equal representation from commissioners and City staff. The project reached over 600 community members to understand their views on the current status of human rights within the Eugene community and what they would like to see the commission and City of Eugene focus efforts on. Special outreach specifically to youth (14-24), immigrant communities, and community members who are currently un-housed were a priority of this project. Listening sessions included perspectives from and about accessibility, housing, communities of color, elected officials, City staff, and the general public. All of the information gathered from surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, listening circles, and community events was compiled and provided to University of Oregon Community Planning Workshop whose members performed an independent analysis of the comments received. Staff researched other municipal models to help guide an understanding of national best practices. All of the information provided a clear picture of some of the key issues to be addressed or considered. A “think tank” representing current and past Human Rights commissioners, current and past human rights staff, key community stakeholders, and City staff reviewed findings. The group then shared ideas for what opportunities or solutions might be considered by the commission and staff, with items divided into three S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111128\S1111286.doc