Interim Human Rights director asks council for $297,540 in property tax support

Jason Lehman, assistant city attorney serving as interim Human Rights director, told the council that the department operates with two full‑time‑equivalent positions (Ann Marie Jannette and interim director support) and is emphasizing outreach, education and complaint intake services.

Lehman summarized FY26 activity: 143 intakes (many resolved without formal complaint), nine formal complaints so far in FY26, two successful mediations in the prior year, and sustained outreach and training efforts. He noted that race and retaliation have been leading bases cited in recent complaint filings.

The department requested three non‑recurring improvement packages totaling $10,500 to fund community dialogue, a Know‑Your‑Rights event and a bus‑wrap advertising campaign to raise awareness of the department’s services. Lehman also requested ongoing property tax support of $297,540, which the presentation translated to roughly $4.66 per average homeowner, to support department operations and outreach.

Councilmembers asked about funding and staffing arrangements; Lehman clarified that he is funded out of the Legal Department while serving as interim Human Rights director and that the permanent director position remains open and is being recruited. Several councilmembers expressed appreciation for the department’s outreach and the commissioners who volunteer on the board.

Lehman emphasized that increasing awareness of the department is a core objective, saying many lower‑level concerns are handled via intake and referral rather than formal complaint, and that expanded outreach should improve trust and public safety by encouraging residents to engage with city processes.

No formal vote was taken during the presentation; council requested follow‑up where staff said more details would be provided in budget materials.