Item B: HRC - Recommendations from HR Listening Project

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Fort Collins, Colorado Primary functions of Staff: City Staff Liaison helps to manage the administrative needs of the Human Relations Commission; however, the Commission is charged with managing the majority of its own affairs. City Council Liaison: The liaison maintains a relationship between the Commission and Council. He or she attends monthly meetings and reports back to the Council about the activities of the HRC. The Human Relations Committee is comprised of 9 community members who serve for a period of three years. The primary focus of the Commission is community outreach and education. They hold an annual Human Relations awards breakfast recognizing community members whose efforts have improved community relations, hold “coffee talks” on emerging issues and publish regular newspaper editorials on equity and diversity issues. The Commission maintains several standing committees including the Executive Committee, Government Relations, Media/Community Recognition and the Educational Outreach Committee. The Government Relations Committee has the most contact with the community and acts in collaboration with the Citizens Liaison Program to assist citizens in filing complaints against the Police Department. The Committee also maintains translation services, serves as a liaison to the Citizen Review Board and works with the Police Department to improve community relations. As an advisory body to Council, the Commission also weighs in on both internal and public policy. Current staff emphasized the present make-up of Council has prioritized diversity efforts in the city and has developed a strong working relationship with the Commission. Recruitment/Appointment Process: There are no specific requirements or qualifications to serve on the Human Relations Commission and appointments are made by the City Council. The County Clerk’s Office is charged with advertising for vacant seats on all boards and commissions and typically posts ads in the local paper as well as the web. Note: An ordinance passed in 2001 authorized the Commission to hear appeals from decisions of the City Manager dismissing complaints alleging human rights violations; however, it seems that this function is rarely called upon and has not been prioritized by the Commission or the community. 18 | Page