Item A: Listening Session with Human Rights Commission

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Human Rights Project Listening Session Meeting Date: May 18, 2011 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Raquel Wells www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8439 ISSUE STATEMENT This listening session with the City Council, Human Rights Commission, and staff, is intended to provide an opportunity for a candid and constructive exchange of ideas on supporting and focusing human rights work. A review of Eugene’s human rights ordinance is underway to assess how to better achieve human rights framework goals and better support advisory groups connected to the council and stakeholders. BACKGROUND The Human Rights Commission recently celebrated 20 years of accomplishments and observed the changes in the commission structure and in Eugene City Code that occurred in 1990. The Human Rights Commission, past and present, has made substantial contributions, and Eugene is increasingly recognized as a leader in human rights implementation at the local government level. The work of the Human Rights Commission has contributed to the community and City organization in profound ways, and remaining responsive and innovative is important. With the 20-year anniversary and legacy of the Human Rights Commission in mind, this is a good time to revisit the Eugene City Code provisions for the commission (City boards, commissions and committees; Eugene Code Chapter 2) and human rights (protection against discrimination; housing, employment and public accommodations; Eugene Code Chapter 4). Do City ordinances, the commission structure, and human rights priorities effectively and efficiently support actions to meet today’s needs and the challenges ahead? In 1989-90, Mayor Jeff Miller led a task force that worked with community members on recommendations that transformed five constituent-based commissions to the current structure for the Human Rights Commission and committees. At that time, the changes responded positively to resources, community models, and issues. However, much has changed since 1990. For example, the work of the Human Rights Commission and others led to establishment of several components of police oversight – including the Police Commission, Police Auditor and Civilian Review Board. In addition, a Sustainability Commission and Housing Policy Board have been established, Neighborhood groups provide opportunities for public involvement and advocacy, a five-year Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan is in place, and the organization is increasingly using triple-bottom-line thinking that emphasizes social equity considerations. The Human Rights Commission enjoys many advisory group partners and City and community assets that complement its mission and goals. \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110518\S110518A.doc