Agenda - 12-04-2017 - 6-a - Department of Human Rights and Relations

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2 During the last FHAP performance period (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017) eight (8) Fair Housing cases were closed. Currently, there are twelve (12) cases under investigation. The dramatic rise in hate crimes motivated by intolerance, racism, sexism and xenophobia over the last several years has demonstrated the need for increased focus on improving interpersonal communications and human relations. In addition, there is also a need to not only effectively enforce the civil rights of residents but to also educate them on their rights and responsibilities under the law. The separation of the division of Human Rights and Relations from Housing and Community Development would allow the County to focus on civil and human rights training, education, outreach and enforcement. In addition to the core functions the department previously provided, it would also include a compliance function. The director of the department would be designated as the Civil Rights Compliance Officer for the County. The Civil Rights Compliance Officer would coordinate the County's efforts to comply with its civil rights obligations under federal and state law. The proposed Department would be staffed by a director, a civil rights specialist, an intake specialist and a Limited English Proficiency Specialist/Outreach Coordinator. (See Attachment 1 - Proposed Human Rights and Relations Department Organizational Chart). It is proposed that Annette Moore would have a dual role (50/50) as both the Department Director and a Staff Attorney. The intake specialist will provide administrative support to Human Rights and Relations as well as the County Attorney's Office. The duties of the staff attorney will be spread among the three staff attorneys in the County Attorney's Office. Staff in the Human Rights and Relations division now housed in the Whitted Building would be relocated to office space in the Link Government Services Center. Human Relations Commission Bylaw Changes The County Manager met with the Human Relations Commission to inform them of the proposed changes. The Bylaws of the Human Relations Commission will require minor changes to facilitate realignment of the functions of Human Rights and Relations; no substantive changes are being proposed. See below for proposed changes to Section 5, A.1. of existing bylaws. SECTION V. ORIENTATION A. Attendance 1. Each member shall attend an orientation and training on the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance presented by the Housing, Human Rights and Community Development Ih....l man Rights and Rollahons Department to familiarize the Commission members with the operation of County government, the — e_ _, — _ _• .._• _ .e Comm unity D pme-Rt—IL...Iluman Rights and RR Ilatli n organizational chart, the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and the operating procedures of the advisory board. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is currently a budget from the general fund in addition to FHAP funds assigned to the Human Rights Division. Those funds will move with the new department. The department director's salary and benefits would be evenly divided between the County Attorney's Office and the Department of Human Rights and Relations. Staff will bring forward a budget amendment at the December 12th meeting for Board consideration.