Broomfield adopts local nondiscrimination ordinance; launches complaint process with investigator and hearing officer

Summary

The council unanimously approved a local nondiscrimination ordinance prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. Staff said the ordinance creates a local complaint process with a third‑party investigator, hearing officer and an appeal route to district court; the effective date is June 5 to allow procurement and outreach.

Broomfield’s City Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2296, a local nondiscrimination ordinance that makes discrimination unlawful in housing, employment and public accommodations within the city. The ordinance adds protected classes consistent with state and federal law — including race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status and age in employment — and adds housing‑specific protections (parenthood, pregnancy) as described in the staff memorandum.

Attorney Courtney Rogers and City Attorney staff outlined the complaint intake and enforcement model: the city will contract with an external investigator to handle intake and attempt conciliation; unresolved matters may be appealed to a hearing officer and then to district court. Rogers said the ordinance supplements, not replaces, state or federal processes. Councilmember Brown asked about website and outreach; Rogers said the ordinance’s effective date will be June 5 to permit staff to run a request for qualifications for contractor roles and to publish informational materials and a complaint portal. The council approved the ordinance 9–0.