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Salina Human Relations Commission approves annual report, adds goal to measure community knowledge of discrimination
Summary
The Salina Human Relations Commission approved its annual report for 2024 (forward-looking to 2025) and added a new goal to establish a baseline measure of community knowledge about discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations; commissioners were told HUD outreach funding for 2025 is uncertain.
The Salina Human Relations Commission on Jan. 14 approved its annual report and added a goal to establish a baseline measure of community knowledge about discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
The action came after staff told commissioners that federal outreach funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is not yet confirmed for 2025 and that the commission has sent sponsorship letters to cover seminar and outreach costs. Commissioners voted to adopt the report as amended; roll call on Jan. 14 showed nine commissioners present.
Why it matters: The annual report summarizes the commission’s 2024 activities and frames priorities for 2025, including community outreach and proposed code updates. With HUD funding uncertain, commissioners discussed relying more on local speakers and sponsorships to staff the Fair Housing Seminar planned for Friday, April 25.
Staff reported that the commission closed nine fair housing cases and had seven open fair housing cases from January through December 2024. Staff said the commission had sent sponsorship letters in December and was beginning to receive replies; if HUD outreach funds do not arrive, the commission will recruit more local speakers instead of bringing out-of-state presenters who typically require HUD funding support.
Commissioners added a new goal to “establish a baseline of community knowledge on discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.” Members discussed first checking existing community surveys and partnering with local organizations — examples mentioned included the Community Resilience Hub at Kansas Wesleyan University and local churches that have run listening processes — before conducting a stand‑alone survey. Commissioners agreed a small committee and staff follow-up could identify existing data and next steps.
The commission also confirmed the date for its 2025 Fair Housing Seminar: Friday, April 25. Staff said there is a $30 registration fee for attendees and that board members are typically exempted from the registration fee but must notify staff in advance so fees for lunch or continuing-education credits can be handled.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to accept meeting minutes from Dec. 10, 2024: moved, seconded, approved (ayes recorded; nine commissioners present). - Motion to adopt the annual report as amended (added goal to establish a baseline measure of community knowledge): moved, seconded, approved (9–0). - Motion to adjourn: moved, seconded, approved (9–0).
The commission asked staff to prepare background on potential community partners and existing surveys before a subcommittee is formed to pursue the new baseline goal. Staff indicated they will report progress at the next meeting.
