HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-05-2016 - 4-e - Fair Housing Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 5, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-e
SUBJECT: Fair Housing Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Audrey Spencer-Horsley, Director,
Fair Housing Month Proclamation 919-245-2492
James E. Davis, Jr., Civil Rights
Specialist, 919-245-2488
PURPOSE: To proclaim April as Fair Housing Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The month of April is National Fair Housing Month. April 2016 will mark the
48th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 22nd
anniversary of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance. These laws grant every person a
right to live where they choose, free from discrimination on the basis race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, familial status, or disability.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has chosen "Shared Opportunity in
Every Community' as the 2016 Fair Housing Month theme. The chosen theme expresses the
ideal of fair and equal housing opportunities in every community.
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.
The Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development and the HRC will
engage in fair housing activities, conferences and training sessions during the month of April in
observance of Fair Housing Month. The Department will also participate in community outreach
programs to present information about the federal and local fair housing laws.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda
item:
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• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
Fair and equal housing opportunities is not only a legal mandate, it is an Orange County priority
which begets a community that is both harmonious and diverse.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, April 2016 marks the 48th anniversary of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
(formally known as the Fair Housing Act) and the 33rd anniversary of the North
Carolina Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing on the basis of
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability 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 the Fair Housing Act and additionally
encompasses the protected classes of Veteran Status and Age; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the U. S. 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 others to abide by the
letter and the spirit of fair housing laws; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually declares the
month of April as National Fair Housing Month, designating Shared Opportunity
in Every Community as the national theme and ideal for 2016; and
WHEREAS, despite the protections afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and
the Fair Housing Act, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation and
within our County; and
WHEREAS,by supporting and promoting fair housing and equal opportunity, we are
contributing to the strength of our County, State and Nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County North
Carolina, do proclaim April 2016 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance
to all Orange County residents.
This the 5th day of April 2016.
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners