Equal Rights Commission

AGENDA OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS COMMISSION THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, 5:30 PM City Hall, Room 604 - The Harry Maier Room. Virtual attendance is also available via Zoom. A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87139363656?pwd=MHRIU1Vyb3dmd2x6eHhsN0x3Ry9yZz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 871 3936 3656 Passcode: 182212 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the Thursday, May 8, 2025 Equal Rights Commission meeting agenda. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of the April 10th, 2025, Equal Rights Commission meeting minutes. E. Regular Business. 1. For consideration with possible action to revise Section 12-11 Equal Rights Commission of the City's Chapter 12, Civil Rights Ordinance. Link: https://library.municode.com/wi/green_bay/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH12CIRI 2. For consideration with possible action, to write a report that documents the historically diverse figures and stories of Green Bay residents. F. Informational. 1. Chair update. Agenda of the Equal Rights Commission May 8, 2025 Page 1 G. Adjournment. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Equal Right Commission meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Equal Rights Commission May 8, 2025 Page 2  Report to the Equal Rights Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 8, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # E.1 For consideration with possible action to revise Section 12-11 Equal Rights Commission of the City's Chapter 12, Civil Rights Ordinance. Link: https://library.municode.com/wi/green_bay/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH12CIRI BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. ERC Draft Ordinance Proposal 4_10_25 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov Draft Proposal Revision of the Green Bay Equal Rights Commission Ordinance Purpose: This proposal recommends updates to the City of Green Bay's Equal Rights Commission (ERC) ordinance (Chapter 12, Civil Rights) to expand its scope, strengthen enforcement, and align more closely with the standards and best practices observed in comparable municipalities such as Madison and Milwaukee. The proposed revisions promote diversity, equality, and equity in a manner that is inclusive, effective, and reasonable across political spectrums. Section I: Additions to the ERC Ordinance The following proposals shall be incorporated into the official ordinance language: 1. Expanded Protected Classes​ Amend Sec. 12-3 to include explicit protections for: ●​ Citizenship status ●​ Criminal history (where not directly job-related) ●​ Language use and accent ●​ Physical appearance and body size 2. Formal Complaint Review Process​ Enhance Sec. 12-9 by creating a Complaint Resolution Officer role within the ERC to review complaints independently of the City Attorney and issue non-binding recommendations. 3. Community Partnership Development​ Expand Sec. 12-11(3): The Commission may enter into formal partnerships with community-based organizations to advance educational outreach, data collection, and training. The Commission shall also be authorized to fundraise and allocate public or privately sourced funds to support organizations engaged in educational, support, and engagement activities that align with the mission and goals of the Equal Rights Commission. 4. Public Recognition and Incentives Program​ The ERC shall be able to develop and manage “Recognition Program(s)” to publicly acknowledge individuals, businesses, and institutions demonstrating leadership in advancing equal rights. Program elements may include annual or bi-annual awards, or awards presented on an as-needed basis when merited by significant achievements or milestones. 5. Inclusive Housing Initiative​ Enhance Sec. 12-4 by directing the ERC to monitor local housing data for patterns of systemic discrimination and recommend corrective policy. Last updated by Tara Yang 4/10/2025 6. Immigrant and Refugee Support Services​ Create an advisory subcommittee of the ERC focused on integration, cultural competence, and support for immigrant and refugee communities. 7. Equity Review of Legislation​ Prior to adoption, major city ordinances shall undergo a review by the ERC for their impact on protected populations. 8. Accessible Complaint Filing and Tracking System​ Digitize the complaint process with online intake, tracking, and multilingual support. 9. Establish a Mediation Program​ Create a voluntary mediation pathway under the ERC for resolving disputes prior to court referral. 10. Formation of Committees and Councils​ The ERC shall have the authority to establish committees, subcommittees, and advisory councils as necessary to support its work, expand community engagement, and address the needs of protected classes. These bodies may include individuals with lived experience, subject matter expertise, and organizational ties to equity-focused efforts in Green Bay. Section II: City Staff and ERC Joint Initiatives The ERC, in conjunction with city staff and under a principle of good faith cooperation, shall uphold the following values to the best of their ability: 1. Accessibility of Resources​ The ERC and city staff shall make every effort to ensure that resources related to civil rights protections and city services are accessible online. Additionally, contact information and support channels shall be clearly provided to assist members of protected classes in navigating available resources and services. 2. Establish a Racial Equity and Social Justice Framework​ Develop citywide racial equity impact assessments on major policy proposals and programs. 3. Annual State of Equity Report​ Mandate the ERC submit a detailed annual report to the Mayor and Common Council, assessing the City’s progress in advancing equity and inclusion goals. 4. Monthly Community Forums​ Host at least one public forum every other month to solicit feedback, provide education, and promote dialogue between the community and city officials. Last updated by Tara Yang 4/10/2025 5. Internal Accountability Measures​ Each city department shall appoint a Diversity and Equity Liaison who will collaborate with the ERC and submit quarterly updates. 6. Language Access and Accessibility Services​ Provide multilingual resources and interpretation services for city services and ERC meetings. 7. Enhanced Data Collection Requirements​ City departments shall provide anonymized data to the ERC annually on hiring, service access, and complaints disaggregated by protected class. 8. Education and Outreach Mandate​ The ERC shall produce and distribute quarterly educational materials on equal rights laws and protections. 9. Mandatory DEI Training for City Employees​ All city employees shall complete annual diversity, equity, and inclusion training approved by the ERC. The following is to be reviewed by commissioners: The following proposals are recommended for discussion, evaluation, and possible future inclusion based on community and commissioner feedback: 1. Youth Civic Engagement Program​ Develop a Youth Equity Advisory Council to engage residents aged 15–24 in public education, policy review, and leadership development. 2. Equity in Contracting and Procurement​ Require city contracts to include equity clauses and set targets for contracting with businesses owned by underrepresented groups. Last updated by Tara Yang 4/10/2025  Report to the Equal Rights Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 8, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # E.2 For consideration with possible action, to write a report that documents the historically diverse figures and stories of Green Bay residents. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Equal Rights Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 8, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1 Chair update. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov