Proclamation
WHEREAS, the principle of fair housing is not only protected by federal and state law, but a basic need and entitlement of all peoples; and WHEREAS, this year we celebrate the enactment of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act), which states that discrimination in the sale and rental of housing is illegal when based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and disability; and WHEREAS, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act statutes additionally protect citizens prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, veteran status, source of income and all other arbitrary forms of discrimination; and WHEREAS, as a community we understand that the goals of economic progress and competitiveness is best served by affirmatively furthering fair housing though promoting diverse, inclusive communities, with equal access to good jobs, schools, health care, transportation, and housing, and; WHEREAS, the City of Merced supports fair housing efforts to eliminate discrimination in housing and recognizes the benefits of Project Sentinel to educate home seekers, apartment managers, and apartment owners on federal and state housing laws, and to investigate complaints of illegal housing discrimination in Merced; and WHEREAS, in order to heighten public awareness, the City of Merced wishes to focus public attention on April as Fair Housing Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matthew serratto, Mayor of the City of Merced, on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim the month of April 2025 as “FAIR HOUSING MONTH,” and encourage all residents and community organizations to celebrate the value of harmonious, inclusive, and diverse communities of neighbors and to support the goal of equal housing opportunity for all people.
Signed this 7th day of April 2025
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Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced