Valparaiso council approves ordinance changing composition and status of Human Relations Council

At its July meeting the Valparaiso Common Council voted 5-2 to adopt Ordinance 8-20-25, revising the municipal code to change the structure and status of the city’s Human Relations Council.

The ordinance removes the word “advisory” from the council’s name and changes appointment authority so that six members are appointed by the Common Council and three are appointed by the mayor. Councilwoman Hunt said the change “introduces a more balanced structure with appointments made by both the city council and the mayor. 6 by the council, 3 by the mayor.”

Supporters of the measure said the revisions aim to broaden representation and increase the council’s visibility. “The changes in ordinance 8 represent the next step in establishing a collaborative, inclusive, and impactful body,” President Capitan said, urging the council to view the change as strengthening long-term stewardship of the body.

Opponents described the measure as a shift of control away from the executive branch. The mayor, who said he had helped create the previous advisory structure, argued that the advisory arrangement had worked as an operational link to the mayor’s office and warned the change could complicate how the council and mayor coordinate on service delivery. He emphasized the difference in roles between the executive and the legislative branches and said the advisory relationship historically helped “stay ahead of issues” tied to day-to-day service delivery.

Council members who spoke said the ordinance keeps the council’s mission and charge intact while expanding appointment sources to include council perspectives. During public comment and later discussion council members noted the ordinance includes a provision that if the mayor declines to make his appointments the council would fill those seats, and that the ordinance does not, by itself, change the council’s stated charge or mission.

Ordinance 8-20-25 was before the council for its second and final reading. Roll call on the ordinance produced five votes in favor and two opposed; the council declared the ordinance adopted by a 5-2 margin. The council did not specify any changes to funding or staffing for the Human Relations Council as part of the ordinance.

The council’s action changes the statutory language in Valparaiso’s municipal code and will be reflected in the published code going forward. Additional details about implementation, appointments, and any budget implications were not specified at the meeting.