Chapter 4.10
Human Rights Commission

Sections:

4.10.010 Purpose.

4.10.020 Appointment.

4.10.030 Offices.

4.10.040 Duties and Functions.

4.10.010 Purpose.

The human rights commission advises and makes recommendations to the city council regarding problems of unjust discrimination and the implementation of programs consistent with the needs of all residents of the City of Spokane.

[Ord. C30424; Passed: 4/20/1992]

4.10.020 Appointment.

The commission consists of fifteen members nominated by the mayor and appointed by the city council to staggered three-year terms. Vacancies are filled by appointment to unexpired terms in the same manner.

[Ord. C31449; Passed: 8/28/1995]

4.10.030 Offices.

The commission by rule determines its officers and the manner of their selection except that the mayor nominates and the city council appoints the chair of the commission for a term of one year.

[Ord. C32750; Passed: 12/4/2000]

4.10.040 Duties and Functions.

The commission has the power and duty:

A.  to adopt rules;

B.  to hold regular public meetings and keep a written record of its proceedings which is a public record;

C.  to serve as a complaint channel to which human rights grievances of all types can be reported;

D.  to maintain statistical data on incidents of human rights violations and make appropriate recommendations for correction;

E.  to conduct public hearings to receive citizen concerns about issues relating to human rights;

F.  to conduct and arrange for surveys, studies and polls to factually determine problem areas and perceptions;

G.  to provide conflict management and dispute resolution services such as conciliation and mediation;

H.  to provide and arrange for victim assistance and support groups;

I.  to convene and develop work groups such as ad hoc committees, task forces and coalitions of concerned organizations and agencies to achieve coordinated focus on priority problem areas;

J.  to provide and develop community education projects such as conferences, forums and workshops in collaboration and co-sponsorship with organizations and other agencies;

K.  to conduct diversity training programs for public and private employers, citizen groups and agencies;

L.  to create a speakers’ bureau to address cultural diversity issues;

M.  to publish a periodic newsletter on current events and special reports on studies and related findings and recommendations;

N.  to develop a mass media program consisting of the appropriate use of press releases, press conferences, public service announcements and production;

O.  to make recommendations for public policy relating to human rights;

P.  to issue an annual report to the mayor and city council on the health of human rights along with achievements for the past year and goals for the coming year.

[Ord. C30424; Passed: 4/20/1992]