(a) Creation of Board. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the Board of Human Relations Commissioners (“Board”) that shall serve as an advisory board to the Mayor, City Council, and General Manager of the Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department of the City of Los Angeles or a successor department (“General Manager”).
(b) Purpose, Powers, and Duties. The Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council, and General Manager with respect to policies and other matters that will assist in ensuring that all residents are provided with an opportunity for full and equal participation in the affairs of City government; promote the general welfare and safety of all residents through activities and programs designed to reduce discrimination, prejudice, tension, and violence; improve inter-group relations; support efforts to create a City free from all forms of discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, immigration status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or any other arbitrary factor; and otherwise promote healthy human relations among individuals and diverse constituencies in all aspects of the civic life of the City. In addition, the Board may:
(1) Develop, recommend, and advise on policies, legislation, programs, and initiatives, in addition to related research, focused on addressing and eliminating discrimination, prejudice, and intolerance based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, immigration status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or any other arbitrary factor;
(2) Develop, recommend, and advise on policies, legislation, programs, and initiatives, in addition to related research, focused on addressing and eliminating community conflict and violence, advancing public safety, promoting positive inter-group relations, improving law enforcement relations in the community, and building respect, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity;
(3) Provide a forum for the discussion of human relations issues; and
(4) Perform such other duties relating to human relations as may be requested by the Mayor, City Council, and General Manager.
(c) Membership. All members should have demonstrated knowledge and experience in areas related to human relations and the prevention of discrimination. The Board shall consist of eleven members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The provisions of Los Angeles City Charter Section 502 shall govern the appointment and removal of the Board members. Selection will be in accordance with Charter Section 501(d).
(d) Terms of Board Membership. Board members shall serve four-year, staggered terms beginning with the first day of July of the year they are appointed. The Mayor shall appoint six members to terms that end June 30, 2012, and five members to terms that end June 30, 2014. The initial term of each member of the Board shall be designated in the appointment.
(e) Diversity Consideration. The Mayor, when submitting appointments to the City Council for approval, shall state the area of expertise and the related qualifications and experience of the nominee. The City Council shall review these qualifications as part of the confirmation process. The Mayor and City Council shall also ensure that the membership of the Board represents the City’s diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, and neighborhoods, in addition to other diverse communities of interest, such as business and not-for-profit organizations.
(f) Compensation. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation.
(g) Officers. The Board shall, at the beginning of each fiscal year, elect from its members a President and Vice-President. The elected officers shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected, unless their membership on the Board expires sooner. The Board may fill the unexpired terms of a vacancy occurring in office of the President or Vice-President.
(h) Rules and Regulations. At its first meeting or as soon thereafter as reasonably feasible, the Board shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business.
(i) Meetings. The Board shall designate the time and place for regular meetings, provided that each board shall meet not less than one time within a calendar quarter.
(j) Cooperation and Coordination with Other Agencies.
(1) Whenever practical, the Board shall coordinate its programs with other similar agencies to avoid duplication of effort and assure an effective working relationship between the City and other private or public agencies.
(2) All Boards, Offices, and Departments of the City shall cooperate with the Board to the fullest extent practicable and in a manner that would not conflict with the lawful and necessary conduct of their duties as provided by law.
(k) Solicitation of Funds. The Board may solicit and accept donations of funds, which shall be placed in the Board of the Human Relations Commission Trust Fund established under Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 5.562.
SECTION HISTORY
Article and Section added by Ord. No. 187,032, Eff. 6-14-21.