HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-09-2013 - 4a 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 9, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Fair Housing Month
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Tara L. Fikes; 245-2492
PURPOSE: To consider approving a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month
2013.
BACKGROUND: April 2013 marks the 45th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act of
1968 and the 30th anniversary of the North Carolina Fair Housing Act, which sought to
eliminate housing discrimination and provide for equal opportunity in the sale, rental, and
financing of housing.
Established in 1987, the Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) is charged with
enforcing the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance that prohibits discrimination in housing and
public accommodations on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, familial status, national origin,
color, veteran's status and disability.
This year, the HRC is co-sponsoring, with Justice United, a Fair Housing Education Forum that
will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Additionally, the Human
Relations Commission will sponsor two public mini-festivals to raise awareness of the
protections available under the Federal Fair Housing Act. The events will take place on
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Hargraves Center in Chapel Hill from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and
on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Central Orange Senior Center from 12:00 pm (noon) until
2:00 pm. There will be music and other entertainment including a Kids Korner along with
educational activities. The public is invited to attend.
Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the HRC's charge and
commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the HRC works to prevent
discrimination and foster mutual understanding in Orange County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, April 2013 marks the 451' anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the
301' anniversary of the North Carolina Fair Housing Act prohibiting
discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
handicap and familial status; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners enacted the Orange County Civil
Rights Ordinance on June 6, 1994, which affords to the residents of Orange
County the protections guaranteed by Title VIII and additionally encompasses the
protected classes of veteran status and age; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development as well as concerned residents and the housing industry are working
to make fair housing opportunities possible for everyone by encouraging other to
abide by the letter and the spirit of fair housing laws; and
WHEREAS, despite the protection afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and
Title VIII as amended, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation and
in our County; and
WHEREAS, by supporting and promoting fair housing and equal opportunity, we are
contributing to the health of our County, State and Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County,
North Carolina, do proclaim April 2013 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this
observance to all Orange County residents.
This the day of , 2013
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners