Item 2: Ordinance on Human Rights Commission

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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 about what opportunities or solutions might be considered by the commission and staff, with items divided into three areas: 1) items that required City Council direction or ordinance changes; 2) items that should be considered for Human Rights Commission work planning; and 3) items that should be given to the City Manager and staff for consideration. Human Rights Commissioners and committee members and staff refined the recommendations. These items are the focus of this work session. They are:  Updating Language in Chapter 2 of City Code The current language is about 20 years old and needs to be updated to align with current o human rights City efforts moving from civil rights to human rights framing. Commissioners and community members would like the council to consider updating the o overall introduction in Chapter 2 to reflect current human rights work and conditions. A human rights orientation moves the ordinance from a civil rights only focus to an inclusive broader framework.  The size of the Human Rights Commission Feedback from commissioners and think tank members is that the current size of the o commission is too large and the City should consider reducing the size to increase effectiveness. Case study research shows nationally there is an average of 9 - 11 members for similar commissions in other communities. The commission would like the council to consider reducing the commission to 10 o community members and one city councilor.  The current commission has four standing subcommittees codified in City Code Feedback from commissioners and community members clearly asks for the commission o to be nimble and to tie task team and subcommittee work to the current work plan. Maintaining the current structure is neither sustainable nor effective. o The commission would like the council to consider repealing provisions for the four o subcommittees. These groups would be established as needed, on a short-term basis, to support adopted work plans. An accessibility committee would be created as a department advisory committee to work directly with departments and City staff on the broad range of accessibility challenges.  Effective commission appointments Feedback from commissioners and community members is that more focus on the o recruitment and appointment process is critical to the commission’s success. S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111121\S1111212.doc