Human Relations Commission
The City is Recruiting for One (1) Open Seat on the Human Relations Commission (HRC)
Learn more about HRC and apply by July 27 at 4:30 p.m. Explore more on our Recruitment page!
Hybrid meetings for boards, commissions, and committees began March 1, 2022.
Participate in-person at City Hall (Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room) and virtually. Ad Hoc Committees remain virtual only. Check out our Resources for Hybrid Meeting Attendance.
Purpose
The Human Relations Commission is charged with the discretion to act with respect to any human relations matter when the Commission finds that any person or group does not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the community, or is unfairly or differently treated due to factors of concern to the Commission:
- Public or private opportunities or resources in the community include, but are not limited to, those associated with ownership and rental of housing, employment, education and governmental services and benefits;
- Factors of concern to the Commission including but not limited to, socioeconomic class or status, physical condition or handicap, married or unmarried state, emotional condition, intellectual ability, age, sex, sexual preference, race, cultural characteristics, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship, and religious, conscientious or philosophical belief; and
- The Commission will conduct such studies and undertake such responsibilities as the Council may direct.
The City continuously accepts applications for Boards and Commissions. Apply for the Human Relations Commission
Our Mission: To promote the just and fair treatment of all people in Palo Alto, particularly our most vulnerable populations. By promoting awareness of issues and enabling conversations that enhance inclusion, the HRC strives to create a community where civility, respect and responsible actions are the norm.
Meet the Commission
- Term Expiration
March 31, 2025
- Telephone(914) 374-4255
- Term Expiration
March 31, 2025
- Telephone(650) 463-4906
- Term Expiration
March 31, 2025
- Telephone(650) 463-4906
- Term Expiration
March 31, 2023
- Telephone(650) 463-4906
- Term Expiration
March 31, 2023
Upcoming Meetings
Regular Human Relations Commission meetings are at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
Watch and Participate in Meetings
Meetings are broadcast live online and on cable TV.
Members of the public who wish to participate in meetings can find instructions on the top and bottom of individual agendas or by clicking the drop-down below. To ensure participation in a particular item we suggest calling in or connecting 15 minutes before your item is scheduled to begin.
How to Participate in a Virtual Public Meeting
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
- Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org.
- Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
- You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer.
- You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
- When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
- When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
- A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
- Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID. Please follow the instructions 2.1-2.5.
- Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
See the current agenda for Zoom meeting details.
Resources
- The Commission is composed of five members who are not Council Members, officers, or employees of the City, and who are residents of the City of Palo Alto. Terms are for three years and commence on May 1. See PAMC Sections 2.16 and 2.22. In order to be notified of vacancies and appointment procedures, you may contact the City Clerk's Office at (650) 329-2571.
- 2021-2022 Work Plan(PDF, 130KB)
- 2022-2023 Work Plan(PDF, 199KB)