(A) Fair Housing Officer appointed. In order to carry out the fair housing policy of the town, the Mayor shall appoint a Fair Housing Officer. The Fair Housing Officer shall be assigned to the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and shall report to the Community Resources Development Director or his designee. The Fair Housing Officer shall prepare and carry out an annual plan in accordance with the goals and objectives set forth in division (B) below. At least annual by the Fair Housing Officer shall report to the Mayor and the Legislative Council on his progress in meeting the goals and objectives. The annual report shall include recommended actions by municipal departments that would lead to increased compliance with the Fair Housing Program.
(B) Goals and objectives.
(1) Education. Education goals and objectives shall be as follows:
(a) To provide educational, counseling, information, and referral services from a centralized location;
(b) To develop written materials for all segments of the housing market, that is financial and insurance institutions, real estate agents, landlords/owners, and tenants/purchasers;
(c) To secure and disseminate affirmative marketing agreements with banks, real estate agents, landlords, and management companies;
(d) To provide counseling and referral services for all housing-related matters;
(e) To publish an annual survey of housing assistance and resources;
(f) To promote regional and local fair housing initiatives such as the creation of a Community Housing Resource Board;
(g) To counsel all owners of multi-family housing who receive any governmental assistance;
(h) To do outreach in cooperation with schools, civic and religious organizations, and the media; and
(i) To conduct workshops for all segments of the housing markets.
(2) Planning and analysis. Planning and analysis goals and objectives shall be follows:
(a) In accordance with 24 CFR Section 570.904(c)(1), to conduct an annual review of impediments to Fair Housing choice is reflected in: the sale or rental of dwellings; the provision of housing brokerage services; the provision of financing and insurance; public policies and actions affecting the approval of sites and other building requirements; and administrative policies concerning community development and housing activities. There has been a finding of housing discrimination by a court, HUD, or CHRO, the analysis shall include steps which the own shall take to assist in remedying the discriminatory condition;
(b) In conjunction with HUD and CHRO, to develop mechanism for reporting discrimination complaints and discriminatory practices;
(c) To review existing state and federal laws to determine need for town ordinances and town support of additional state or federal legislation; and
(d) Through organizations such as the Fair Housing Association of Connecticut and the Connecticut Housing Coalition to monitor fair housing, landlord-tenant, and housing production developments on the regional, state and national level.
(3) Monitoring and enforcement. Monitoring and enforcement goals and objectives shall be as follows:
(a) To monitor throughout town and region discriminatory practices including, but not limited to refusal to deal; imposition of discriminatory terms and conditions; discriminatory advertising; institutional disinvestment or redlining; blockbusting or racial steering; and discrimination against minority real estate agents.
(b) To investigate complaints of discriminatory practices in the town, refer complaints to appropriate agencies, and assist complainants in obtaining satisfactory relief.
(c) To, in conjunction with HUD or CHRO, conduct investigations or testing where discrimination is suspected.
(Ord. 292, passed 5-1-89)