The Human Relations Commission reported an increase in housing-related intakes and discussed coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during its Aug. 12 meeting.

Commissioners heard that one recent employment complaint may be withdrawn by the complainant and that the commission has seen a notable rise in housing inquiries. Staff said some cases involving the same landlord are likely to be combined and referred to HUD, with the commission assisting while HUD leads enforcement.

The staff also presented a year-in-review for 2024–25 showing fewer case closures than in the prior heavy year. Staff noted HUD had offered technical assistance but postponed a scheduled call; the commission said it expects the agency to reschedule. Staff described recent outreach efforts, including expanded social-media work, to raise awareness of the commission’s services.

Commissioners were invited to begin planning the commission’s annual fair-housing seminar. Staff asked commissioners to bring ideas for speakers and training over the next two meetings as planning for the third quarter of the fiscal year begins.

Procedural items at the meeting included approval of the July 8, 2025 minutes and a motion to adjourn. The commission set its next meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Why it matters: An increase in housing complaints signals more residents seeking help with landlord or housing discrimination issues; coordination with HUD can change where and how complaints are investigated and resolved. The planned fair-housing seminar is intended to increase public awareness and training for commissioners and community partners.

Details from the meeting

- Intake and HUD coordination: Staff said one complainant told the commission she thought issues were resolved and did not want to pursue a formal complaint. Staff also said the commission has “really increased our intakes in the housing area” and that HUD will likely take multiple matters involving a single landlord so the cases can be combined; the commission will assist those referrals.

- Case closures and technical assistance: The staff year-in-review for 2024–25, included in the meeting packet, showed fewer closed cases than the previous heavy year. Staff said HUD had offered technical assistance to help increase the commission’s visibility and case-closure rate but that a planned consultation call was postponed due to turnover at HUD.

- Outreach: Staff cited increased outreach efforts, including social-media posts by a staff member named Marissa, and ongoing fair-housing outreach activity.

- Fair-housing seminar planning: Commissioners were asked to start bringing forward suggestions for seminar speakers and training topics at upcoming meetings; planning activity is expected to intensify in the third quarter.

- Formal actions: The commission approved the July 8, 2025 minutes and later voted to adjourn. No enforcement votes or policy adoptions were taken at this meeting.

Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners said they expect to review any HUD referrals and continue outreach work. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.