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An Ordinance of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, amending and supplementing the Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 215, entitled "Boards, Commissions and Committees," Article V, entitled, "Human Relations Commission" to rename the Commission to the “Housing, Employment, and Human Rights Commission” to offer the public greater clarity in the Commission’s role in assuring all persons enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and use of public accommodation.
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Whereas, the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission was established by ordinance in 2009; and
Whereas, the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission works to assure all individuals enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and use of public accommodation; and
Whereas, the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission plays a role in ensuring those benefits and opportunities regardless of a person's race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or place of birth, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, familial status, age, or use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability; and
Whereas, the work of the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission was enhanced by ordinance aligning it with federal standards for the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) and Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) via ordinance in 2025; and
Whereas, it is the judgment of the government of Allegheny County that a locally administered mechanism for ensuring nondiscrimination is a critical service; and
Whereas, it is the judgment of the government of Allegheny County that renaming this Commission as the “Housing, Employment, and Human Rights Commission” clarifies both its purpose and its role as a resource to the public.
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of the Preamble.
The provisions set forth in the Preamble to this Resolution are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
SECTION 2. Amendment of the Code.
A. The Administrative Code of Allegheny County, Chapter 215 Article V, entitled "Human Relations Commission", is amended to replace all references to the
“Human Relations Commission” with “Housing, Employment, and Human Rights Commission.”
B. All references in the Administrative Code of Allegheny County referencing the “Human Relations Commission” are to be replaced with “Housing, Employment, and Human Rights Commission.”
SECTION 3. Severability.
If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. Repealer.
Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Resolution is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Resolution.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its approval.