The Board shall:
(A) Set such rules and regulations as are necessary for the operation of the Board.
(B) Conduct public hearings upon the request of the City Council or Mayor upon such matters as the City Council or Mayor may from time to time direct.
(C) Receive complaints alleging an unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this article. The staff director (as described in § 11-3-9(A)) of the Human Rights Board shall advise the complainant of the resources available to the complainant for resolution of his or her problem including but not limited to the State Human Rights Commission, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Albuquerque Municipal Courts and such other agencies and entities as may be available. In addition, the staff director shall be responsible for:
(1) Following the progress of the individual complaints to ensure that the agency to whom the complainant was referred acts on the referral;
(2) Observing complaints for trends that may indicate a need for changes in policies, ordinances or other practices; and
(3) Making recommendations to the Human Rights Board that it consider holding public hearings under this article.
(D) Not receive a complaint, where a similar complaint, based on the same facts, has been filed by the complainant with another agency.
(E) Use its best efforts to:
(1) Promote mutual trust, understanding and respect among the citizens of the Albuquerque community and between the citizens and their governmental agencies.
(2) Endeavor that all citizens may enjoy their rights and pursue their opportunities on an equal basis without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth or condition related to childbirth or pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.
(3) Conduct programs of research and investigation into the existence, cause, prevention, and remedy of inter-group tensions and hostility, and prejudice and discrimination within the community and to inform and educate the citizens as to the results of such research and investigation.
(4) Conduct programs of information and education within the community so as to advise citizens of their existing rights and opportunities and the means by which they may lawfully be attained.
(5) Work in close cooperation with all public and private agencies within the community whose aims or activities are consistent with the purpose stated herein.
(F) Provide review of all existing and proposed ordinances and policies which relate to the objectives of this article.
(G) Work with governmental agencies, including the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, and with community organizations to carry out the purposes of this article.
(H) Make recommendations to the City Council based upon its findings concerning problems occasioned by prejudice and discrimination in all fields of human relations and recommend corrective action to aid in carrying out the purposes of this article.
(I) Submit annually a written report of its activities and an evaluation of the effectiveness of this article to the City Council and Mayor with recommendations for changes.
(J) Review and make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, or Chief Administrative Officer regarding the City Affirmative Action Plan and Programs; city department, division, agency, and program affirmative action plans; and affirmative action guidelines for City contracts. Conduct investigations, monitor, and make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council or Chief Administrative Officer about the city's implementation of such plans or guidelines. Recommend any remedial action necessary for compliance with approved plans or guidelines to the Chief Administrative Officer.
('74 Code, § 12-3-5) (Ord. 106- 1973; Am. Ord. 5-1977; Am. Ord. 2024-010)