Fair Housing Commission

Appointment Process

Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. The Commission appoints an executive director to be the principal administrative officer.

Membership Requirements

Members must be residents of the city or be employed or have their principal place of business within the city. The Mayor serves as an ex-officio member.

Of the five members:

• Not more than three may be of the same political party
• The Commission members shall be chosen in such a manner as to represent an appropriate cross section of the community, and there shall not be more than two members of the Commission from the following categories: 
  • Real estate sales industry
  • construction industry
  • Lending institutions
  • Building and trade unions
  • Insurance agencies or companies

Purpose/Duties

The Fair Housing Commission receives and investigates charges of housing discrimination. If the Commission determines a respondent has engaged in, or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory housing practice, the Commission shall issue an order requiring the respondent to cease and desist from such unlawful practice. The Commission may order relief including compensation in money for economic losses or damage shown to have been incurred and a monetary civil penalty. Not less than once per year, the Commission submits to the Mayor and Council reports and recommendations describing the investigations, proceedings, and hearings it has conducted. The Commission conducts educational and other public relations programs to promote the equal rights and opportunities of all persons in matters related to housing accommodations, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or ancestry and to eliminate the prejudice and ignorance which result in housing discrimination.

Term Length

Five years

Compensation

Members serve without compensation.

Authorization

Fair Housing Commission Code 515.05-06