1. Government
  2. Mayor’s Office
  3. Mayor’s Initiatives
  4. Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI)

Human Relations Commission


MISSION

It is the mission of the Human Relations Commission to protect the right of every individual in Huntsville, Alabama, to be free from all forms of discrimination, and to promote the principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging in the City of Huntsville, Alabama.

VISION

The Human Relations Commission envisions a community free from all forms of discrimination.

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) accomplishes its mission by advising the Huntsville City Council, Mayor, City departments and businesses and organizations operating in the City on matters of discrimination and discriminatory policies and practices, by receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints alleging discrimination based on grounds including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, class, religion, age, health, sexual orientation, language, gender identity, disability, or socio-economic status, and through community-wide educational programs and events.

READ MORE: Human Relations Commission Chair seeks unity, cooperation in Huntsville

Core Responsibilities

  • Advise the Mayor and City Council on matters relating to discrimination/discriminatory policies and practices within the city of Huntsville.
  • Provide guidance on the development of specific programs designed to promote the kinds of social change needed to make the city of Huntsville a better place for all residents.
  • Host and participate in community education and training programs which will assist in the elimination of discrimination
  • Assist residents in resolving complaints and concerns between individuals and the City of Huntsville within the commission’s purview

Appointments

The HRC consists of a 13-member board appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Terms are four years and the term limit is two years. Members must be residents of Huntsville. Places 1-5 are City Council appointments and Places 6-11 are Mayoral appointments. Places 12 and 13 are non-voting members, appointed by the Mayor.

Meetings

The HRC holds public meetings each month unless otherwise noted. This is a time for the Commission to conduct its business and to hear from the community. The commission is comprised of individuals from a variety of backgrounds who share the common goal of ensuring Huntsville is the best city for its residents in the entire state of Alabama.

HRC meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. in City Hall, unless otherwise noted. These meetings are open to the public. Check the calendar on this webpage for our regularly scheduled meetings.

Contact

Email: Chris Smith, Chair 

Start a conversation

The HRC wants to hear from you! Please let us know your thoughts and experiences or tell us how the HRC can better serve Huntsville residents.

Feedback Form

Express Interest in becoming a Human Relations Commission Member

If you have a desire to serve the community as a member of the Human Relations Commission , visit the Boards & Commission webpage for more details about service as a board member and complete an Online Interest Form .

Share & Print