Creation of a Human
Relations Commission
(Study Issue OCM 21-02)
Maria Mata, Equity, Access &
Inclusion Manager
David Carnahan, City Clerk
August 9, 2022
2City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Presentation Overview
Potential Responsibilities & Policy Issues
Commissioner Eligibility
Commission Size and Term Length
Timeline for Implementation
Summary of Decision Points
Human Relations Commission Background
3City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Jan. 12, 2021: Councilmembers Cisneros, Fong, Din,
and Melton sponsor study issue
• March 22, 2022: Majority of Council expressed a
desire to move forward
• June 21, 2022: Council adopted the 2022/23
budget to fund the Human Relations Commission
Human Relations Commission Background
4City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Commissioner Eligibility
Commission Size and Term Length
Timeline for Implementation
Summary of Decision Points
Potential Responsibilities & Policy Issues
Human Relations Commission Background
5City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Advise the City Council regarding policies, systems
and programs related to and affecting human relations,
social justice issues, and equity
Specifically, the Commission can conduct study sessions or needs assessments to
• Define key issues in the community to suggest appropriate changes to ordinances, resolutions, and policies
• Recommend to the Council and develop additional programs and practices designed to further commission objectives
Potential Policy Issues and Responsibilities
6City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Celebrate and encourage intergroup understanding of
the rich cultural diversity of the Sunnyvale
Community
By supporting existing multi-cultural events and
programs in collaboration with other Citydepartments
Helping recognize and elevate the work of individuals and organizations
Potential Policy Issues and Responsibilities
7City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Advise city staff on ways promote regular, civil,
and authentic communication between
diverse groups of residents
By supporting educational programs and activities that build community and foster intergroup understanding (like
listening forums, trainingworkshops, speaker series).
Conducting programs, like civility roundtables, designed to bring groups together to proactively address current and ongoing intergroup tensions.
Potential Policy Issues and Responsibilities
8City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Advise city staff on increasing accessibility
and transparency in City government
By identifying and recommending
outreach methods to ensure all residents can access
services and provide input on policy decisions.
Potential Policy Issues and Responsibilities
9City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Human Relations Commission Background
Potential Responsibilities & Policy Issues
Commission Size and Term Length
Timeline for Implementation
Commissioner Eligibility
Summary of Decision Points
10City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Resident of the City
Youth/high school student
• Non-resident if a nonprofit/public agency representative (up to 1) • Interest in and ability to carry out the responsibilities of the Human Relations Commission
• Appreciation for the diverse demographics of the City,including but not limited to geography, race, ethnicity, gender,age and economic class
• Reasonably reflect the diversity of the City
Criteria to Consider
Commissioner Eligibility
11City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Human Relations Commission Background
Potential Responsibilities & Policy Issues
Commissioner Eligibility
Timeline for Implementation
Commission Size and Term Length
Summary of Decision Points
12City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Consider 5 or 7 members mirroring existing Sunnyvale
Board and Commission membership size.
5 Members
• Arts Commission, Board of Building Code Appeals, Board of Library Trustees, Parks and Recreation Commission, Personnel Board 7 Members
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Heritage Preservations Commission, Housing and Human Services Commission, Planning Commission, Sustainability Commission
Commission Size
13City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Consider a 4-year term like other Sunnyvale board
and commission term length.
• Initial appointment staggered options:
Green – first appointment cycle
Blue – second appointment cycle
Commission Term Length
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 (1)
(1)
(1)
(2) Members
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)(2)
(2)
(2)
(2) Members
5 members7 members
(2)
(1)
14City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Human Relations Commission Background
Potential Responsibilities & Policy Issues
Commissioner Eligibility
Commission Size and Term Length
Timeline for implementation
Summary of Decision Points
15City of Sunnyvale –Topic/Abbreviated Title –Month Year Implementation Timeline
September October November December January
2022
2023
Recruitment
Closes
Oct. 20
First meeting
Jan. 12
Commissioner
Appointments
Nov . 29
Commission
Approved
Aug. 30
Recruitment
Opens
Sept. 5
Interviews
Nov . 2
Training
Meeting
Dec. 8
16City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 A. Resolution to create the Human Relations Commission
B. Modifications to Council Policy 7.2.19 Boards and
Commissions to incorporate the Human Relations
Commission, including adding bylaws and duties
On August 30, staff will place the item on consent
including:
Next Steps
17City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 Human Relations Commission Background
Potential Responsibilities & policy Issues
Commissioner Eligibility
Commission Size and Term Length
Summary of Decision Points
Timeline for Implementation
18City of Sunnyvale –Human Relations Commission –August 2022 • Policy Issues & Responsibilities
• Eligibility Criteria
• Size of Commission: 5 or 7
• 4-year term, with initial staggered terms
Determine consensus of majority Council for the
following:
Decision Points