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Human Relations Council reports full staffing and business-certification gains in Q2 work session
Summary
At a post-meeting work session the Human Relations Council reported full staffing for the first time in nearly three years, 110 certified businesses in its Procurement Enhancement Program, more than $2.6 million directed to inclusive contracting goals on reviewed projects, and a planned Business Support Center to open before the end of Q3.
In a July 22 work session following the Commission meeting, Human Relations Council Executive Director Lamonte Hall Jr. told the Commission that the HRC's 2026 budget is on track, the office reached full staffing after five hires in 2026, and that proactive outreach had driven steady improvements in vendor recertifications. He reported 110 certified businesses in the Procurement Enhancement Program, 31 new certifications, 12 cross-certifications and 15 renewals, and said staff set participation goals on half of 20 reviewed city projects, directing more than $2.6 million toward inclusive contracting opportunities.
Mr. Hall also reported that the Office of Justice and Inclusion had 14 active cases and had closed five cases from prior years; nearly 100 residents contacted the office seeking civil-rights assistance. He outlined plans for a Business Support Center to help small businesses with computers, bookkeeping and administrative tasks, and said the center is expected to open before the end of the third quarter. Commissioners praised the staffing progress and asked for ongoing metrics on recertifications, board appointments and program participation.
