The commission's powers and duties include:
1. Studying the existence, character, causes, and extent of discrimination within the City because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry or disability, and to attempt the elimination of such discrimination by education and understanding.
2. Promoting good will among the various racial, religious, and ethnic groups within the City and to minimize or eliminate discriminatory practices.
3. Providing intake assistance for complaints from individuals who may be victims of discriminatory practices and refer such complaints to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for investigation and adjudication.
4. With approval of the City Council and with the assistance of the City staff, receiving administering, dispensing and accounting for any City funds that may be allocated, any donations that may be voluntarily contributed to the commission, or any grants that may be awarded to the commission for furthering the purposes of this chapter.
5. Making recommendations to the City Council for such further legislation concerning discrimination because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry or disability as it may deem necessary and desirable.
6. Preparing and transmitting to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council from time to time, as deemed necessary by the commission, through written report or oral presentation to the City Council, describing its activities and functions.
(Ch. 31 - Ord. 2025 - Sep. 20 Supp.)