Title
A Resolution Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month
Presenter:
Nancy Henjum, Councilmember District 5
Catherine Duarte, HUD Programs Manager, Housing and Community Development
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs Housing and Community Vitality submits this resolution to Council to recognize the work that the Department and its partners do in April and throughout the year to further fair housing within the City of Colorado Springs.
All year, the Department works with Colorado Legal Services, Brothers Redevelopment, Pikes Peak Library District, The Justice Center, The Independence Center, the Colorado Economic Defense Project, the 4th Judicial district, El Paso County, housing providers, and local nonprofits to provide a regular stream of learning resources, workshops, and webinars to local residents on tenant rights, housing law, eviction prevention, mediation and legal representation.
Fair Housing laws protect people from discrimination in all housing transactions, from renting an apartment, getting your home appraised, applying for a mortgage to requesting reasonable accommodation for a disability. Colorado law recognizes the following groups as protected classes:
• Disability (a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits a major life activity)
• Creed
• Color
• Race
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation
• Marital Status
• Familial Status
• National Origin
• Ancestry
• Source of Income
• Veteran or Military Status
In April 2024, we would like to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and encourage our community to engage with our resources and staff.
Background:
Fair housing laws were enacted to ensure everyone has equal access to the housing of their choice. Fair housing laws apply to housing providers and landlords, but also real estate brokers, mortgage lenders, homeowner associations, and local governments. The State of Colorado was the first in the nation to pass statewide fair housing laws, barring discrimination in housing in 1959, nine years before the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act.
In commemoration of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act by Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, each April, HUD, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month.
Previous Council Action:
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Financial Implications:
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City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
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Stakeholder Process:
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Alternatives:
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Proposed Motion:
Approve the resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month
Summary of Ordinance Language
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