HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-18-2006-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRAGT
Meeting Date: April 18, 2006
Action Agenda
Item No. ~0'CA
SUBJECT: Fair Housinq Month
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Milan Pham, 960-3877
PURPOSE: To recognize and celebrate Fair Housing Month.
BAGKGROUND: April 2006 marks the 38~h anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act of
1968 and the 22"d anniversary of the North Carolina Fair Housing Act, which provide for equal
opportunity in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, The Department of Human Rights is
charged with investigating housing discrimination complaints and has been investigating
complaints under a cooperative agreement with tiUD since 1999. From 1999-2003, the
Department resolved six (6) housing discrimination cases. During the 2003-2004 contract year,
the Department resolved four (4) cases, and during the 2004-2005 contract year resolved
eleven (11) oases, a 175% increase in case resolution. Again in the 2005-2006 contract year,
which ends .lone 30, 2006, the Department is witnessing a significant increase in the number of
cases resolved. To date, the Department has resolved twelve (12) cases and has five (5) active
cases in addition. In the past year, case intake and processing has increased an additional
54% due, in large part, to the Department's outreach efforts,
The Commission will celebrate Fair Housing Month by conducting the following activities:
- The Department of Human Rights and Relations will organize the Second Annual
Orange County Housing Fair that will include representatives from all sectors of the
community who provide housing or housing related services. The Fair is intended to
provide information to Orange County residents nn the myriad of fair and affordable
housing services the County provides. Last year's fair was so successfi~l that University
Mall decided to completely undervvrite the cost of the Fair this year and combine it with a
community day at the mall to increase traffic to the Fair. The Fair is scheduled to take
place at University Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 3;00 p.m. on Saturday April 22, 2006.
- The Department of Human Rights will continue its campaign to educate the community
about fair housing rights. In the month of April, the Department has scheduled trainings
with Work First recipients, local churches and Orange Housing and Community Land
Trust.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
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RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proposed
proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign it.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, April, 2006 marks the thirty-eighth aiutiversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act of
1964 and the 22nd 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, The Human Relations Commission and the Affordable Housing Advisory Board
actively work to increase housing affordability and availability in Orange County
and promote housing choice and inclusive neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Orange County, the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 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, despite of the protections afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance
and Title VIII as amended, illegal housing discrimination and housing segregation
still occur in our nation and in our county; and
WHEREAS, by supporting and promoting housing affordability, choice and equal opportunity
are fundamental to achieving social justice;
NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Commissioners of Orange County, proclaim Apri12006 as
FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance to all Orange County
residents,
This the 18~ day of April.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners