Valparaiso council approves changes to Human Relations Council, overriding mayor’s objections

The Valparaiso Common Council adopted Ordinance 8-20-25, revising the structure and name of the city’s Human Relations Council, after a 5-2 roll call vote. The ordinance shifts appointment authority to a split model — six members appointed by the council and three by the mayor — and removes the word “advisory” from the council’s formal title.

Supporters said the changes increase the body’s public visibility and ensure broader representation. “We're here for our second and final reading of the changes to the Human Relations Council,” Councilwoman Hunt said in presenting the ordinance, adding that the proposal “introduces a more balanced structure with appointments made by both the city council and the mayor. 6 by the council, 3 by the mayor.”

Hunt said removing “advisory” signals that the council should be “recognized as a public facing body that serves as a bridge between residents and your city government,” and argued the split appointments provide checks and balances that protect the council from political fluctuation.

Mayor Costas spoke against the measure, urging caution about changing the relationship between the executive branch and the council. “The council essentially enacts ordinances, and it has fiscal oversight. Mayor is in charge the mayor's office is in charge of the delivery of all city services…