HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-04-2017 - 8-g - Fair Housing Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 4, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-g
SUBJECT: Fair Housing Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human
Rights, and Community
Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette Moore, Interim Director,
Fair Housing Month Proclamation 919-245-2492
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month in Orange
County.
BACKGROUND: The month of April is National Fair Housing Month. April 2017 will mark the
49th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 23rd
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 "Fair Housing Equals
Opportunity" as the 2017 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.
During Fair Housing Month the Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community
Development and the HRC will host a forum to discuss residential segregation, perceptions of
discrimination to facilitate a conversation in the community. The Department will also participate
in community outreach programs and present information on the fair housing laws. On April 13,
2017, the Centre for Homeownership and Economic Development in collaboration with Housing,
Human Rights and Community Development will hold a Housing Choice Voucher
Homeownership orientation for existing voucher holders and inform them of their rights under
the Fair Housing Act.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• 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 2017 marks the 49th anniversary of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
(formally known as the Fair Housing Act) and the 34th 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 Fair Housing Equals
Opportunity as the national theme and ideal for 2017; 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 2017 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance
to all Orange County residents.
This the 4th day of April 2017.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners