HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2025 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular MeetingHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – October 9, 2025
300 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Microsoft Teams – See Link Below
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 11, 2025
6. BUDGET REVIEW
Participation for this Human Relations Commission Meeting will be in person at:
CIC Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Avenue
You may also join online via Microsoft Teams, using this link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Meeting ID: 240 263 045 832
Passcode: 9X4zk9Wm
Dial in by phone
+1 970-628-0892,,306081147# United States, Grand Junction
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 306 081 147#
Online Public Participation:
The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:20pm, October 9, 2025. Participants
should try to sign in prior to the 5:30pm meeting start time, if possible. For public comments, the
Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at
that time. Staff will moderate the Teams session to ensure all participants have an opportunity
to address the Board or Commission.
To participate:
• Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a
microphone will greatly improve your audio).
• You need to have access to the internet.
• Keep yourself on muted status.
Masks Strongly Recommended in Indoor Public Spaces
While there are currently no public health orders in place, Larimer County Public Health officials
strongly recommend that well-fitting, high-quality masks are worn in crowded indoor spaces.
For more information, please visit fcgov.com/covid
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – October 9, 2025
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion re: 2026 HRC Work Plan (due November 30th)
b. Update: July 16th “NoCo Community Connections and Belonging” Mixer final
summary report
c. Update: September 29th Boards & Commissions Joint Meeting
d. Update: 2026 Human Library Program and potential “Year of Conversation”
program
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Community Recognition: Update re: December 11, 2025 Human
Relations Award Program – Review work plan, recipient selection
process; and planning template for the communication/promotion of HRC
events
• Education Outreach: Update re: October 23, 2025 Neurodiversity
educational program, including communication plan
• Government Relations: Update
• Executive: Update
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. NEXT STEPS
a. Meeting Action Items
b. Next Meeting – November 13th – Mayor Jeni Arndt, 2026 Work Plan
approval; selection of HR Award recipients and event planning
11. ADJOURNMENT
9/11/25 – MINUTES
Human Relations Commission
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – 5:30 PM
City Hall: CIC Conference Room, 300 Laporte Ave and Microsoft Teams
1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM
2. ROLL CALL
a. Commission Members Present – Beth Jaeger (Chair), Barb Kistler (Vice
Chair), Rachel Bryan, Kori Wilford, Diana Prieto, Everton Brossus, Masood
Ahmad
b. Commission Members Absent – Teresa Cribelli
c. Staff Members Present – Claudia Menendez, Equity Officer, Tyler Wenande,
Equity and Housing Data Analyst
d. Guest(s) – None
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda items.
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 14, 2025
Commission member Prieto motioned to approve the August 14, 2025 minutes.
Vice Chair Kistler seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0.
6. BUDGET REVIEW
Chair Jaeger stated the expenses for the July mixer event were on budget and the
current budget contains approximately $3,600 for the remainder of the year, the
majority of which is earmarked for the upcoming events.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion with Tyler Wenande, Equity and Housing Data Analyst re:
Updated Equity Indicators Report
Tyler Wenande, Equity and Housing Data Analyst, stated the original Equity
9/11/25 – MINUTES
Indicators Report was published in March of 2021 using 2019 data. She
stated the dashboard is designed to illuminate current disparities which can be
collectively addressed, though it does not analyze the causes of the
disparities, prescribe a formula for resolving them, or describe relevant City
actions or policies that could impact them.
Wenande outlined the work that has been done to finalize the dashboard and
stated it will be posted publicly to the City’s website with some marketing and
socialization following. She noted additional updates are planned for the
future with a plan to ultimately add all domains from the original Equity
Indicators Report.
Wenande outlined some of the technical components of the dashboard,
including interactive buttons, tool tips, a ‘how to’ page, sources, compliance
with ADA guidelines, and a forthcoming Spanish version and mobile view.
She stated the primary goals of the dashboard update were to reduce the
amount of text, increase the number and variety of graphs, improve the
aesthetics and City branding, and to tell an honest, transparent story.
Wenande stated the dashboard can be used by the community to assess
equity or inequity in the community which can inform organizing, voting, or
non-government resource distribution. The dashboard can aid the City
organization in its decision-making process to highlight areas where policies
could be changed or programs could be updated, inform community
engagement efforts, and facilitate closer collaboration between the Equity
Office and other City departments.
Wenande noted the dashboard does not give a complete picture of all the
equity work that is going on, nor does it list or describe any relevant City
programs or policies that could potentially affect the indicators. She presented
the dashboard to the Board and discussed the statistics in various domains,
including Safe Community, which primarily includes data related to Police
Services.
Commission member Brossus inquired about the Police Department's internal
awareness of this data. Menendez replied Wenande presented to the Executive
Leadership Team about a year ago, and following that meeting, a meeting occurred
with Police Services. She noted the data does not identify root causes. She stated
that, in general, the City is not yet mature in data analysis practices to apply the data
to true decision making and program development for training.
Commission member Bryan asked if programmatic outcomes are being measured in
Police Services. Mendendez replied customer service training was done recently
with Police Services, though this data was not necessarily part of that. The training
involved noting that there are ethnic, racial, and cultural nuances with every
interaction, and there are no clear metrics for how to measure those interpersonal
skills.
Chair Jaeger noted Police Services representatives have spoken to the Commission
in the past and suggested sending another invitation in 2026.
Commission member Brossus asked about the granularity of the data in terms of
9/11/25 – MINUTES
what arrests were for. Wenande replied the data is all publicly available on the Police
Services transparency website and it does not break out anything more than just the
number of an instance and the racial category.
Commission member Brossus asked if there is documentation of the training
participants and whether that information shows any changes in the data.
Mendendez replied all of the patrol officers participated and it was not set up to
measure impacts.
Wenande went on to discuss the Economic Health domain related to poverty,
unemployment, SNAP benefits, incomes, and racial groups. She then discussed the
domain related to housing costs, home ownership rates, housing costs as a
percentage of income by housing situation, and housing stock and vacancy rates.
Chair Jaeger asked about the most surprising comment received from the Executive
Leadership Team regarding the data. Wenande replied there was some surprise
from Police Services personnel that led to some good conversation about race and
ethnicity not being listed on identification cards.
Vice Chair Kistler asked how the overall report incorporates CSU Police data.
Wenande replied it would only incorporate CSU Police data if it were rolled into the
Fort Collins Police Services data, which she does not believe is the case.
Chair Jaeger asked when the dashboard will be live. Wenande replied it is complete
and staff is working through licensing and publishing.
Commission members commended Wenande on her work.
b. Review: July 16th NoCo Community Connections and Belonging Mixer
Draft Summary Report
Vice Chair Kistler stated she and Commission member Wilford created a draft
summary report regarding the NoCo Community Connections and Belonging
Mixer event and requested input from other Commission members.
Chair Jaeger and Commission member Ahmad commended the report.
It was stated the report will provide a great deal of insight to anyone working
with it at the City or County.
Vice Chair Kistler stated she would like to include the word cloud photos.
Commission member Bryan suggested also mentioning the number of
attendees from the previous event to show the increasing interest in and need
for these events.
Vice Chair Kistler made a motion, seconded by Commission member
Ahmad, to approve the NoCo Community Connections and Belonging
Mixer Draft Summary Report. The motion carried 7-0.
c. Update: September 29th Boards and Commissions Joint Meeting
Chair Jaeger stated participation has been confirmed for the joint meeting
9/11/25 – MINUTES
from the Disability Advisory Board, Senior Advisory Board, and Women and
Gender Equity Advisory Board. Additionally, Davina Lau from the City Clerk’s
Office will also be attending the meeting, which will be held at the Senior
Center. She stated the goal of the meeting is to identify Board and
Commission training needs and to continue to explore collaboration between
Boards on both short-term and longer-term projects.
d. Update: 2026 Human Library Program and potential “Handwriting the
Constitution” Program
Vice Chair Kistler stated the Human Library Program planning committee met
recently, and though the Museum of Discovery did not receive the grant, the
decision was made to move forward with hosting the program in late February
or early March. She stated the next planning meeting is Monday and the
group will be discussing ways to generate the $10,000 program cost if the
event is to remain at the Museum. She also noted an application has been
submitted to the International Human Library Program by the Poudre River
Public Library District, which is the submitting agency.
Vice Chair Kistler noted the effort is currently a partnership between the
Museum of Discovery, the HRC, Poudre River Library District, the Yarrow
Collective, and the City’s Equity Office. She noted there will be much more
information after Monday’s meeting.
Vice Chair Kistler noted the application fee is still up in the air, but stated the
application and associated licensing are required to run the program.
Commission member Brossus noted about half of the $10,000 cost is for the
Museum as the host location and the other half is for programmatic pieces.
He also noted the HRC can have sponsorships through City Give, though
work is still being done to determine the legalities around recognizing the
sponsors.
Chair Jaeger noted the Museum seems confident it will find a source of the
funds. She also noted members of the Commission cannot seek funding,
though the Equity Office can make requests for funds.
Commission member Brossus discussed a meeting regarding the
“Handwriting the Constitution” Program, which the Museum is interested in
considering for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States
and 150th anniversary of Colorado in 2026. He stated the Museum has asked
the Commission if it would like to partner on the program and commented on
the discussion around branding and potential other programs for the
celebration, possibly beginning with the Human Library in March.
Commission member Brossus noted the “Handwriting the Constitution”
Program is ultimately meant to provide a space for community engagement
and neighbor visibility. He stated the next meeting will provide more
information on the role of the Commission.
Vice Chair Kistler noted the Commission has not committed to any aspect of
9/11/25 – MINUTES
the program at this point.
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Committee Reports
• Community Recognition: Update re: December 11, 2025 Human
Relations Awards
Commission member Bryan provided a draft schedule for the day and
commented on items for which she will need volunteers. She stated
she will be bringing drafts of the letters that will be sent to nominees
who are not selected to receive an award and to the award winners at
the next meeting. Additionally, she noted letters will be sent to
people who made nominations. She stated emails were sent to
Poudre School District DEI staff, the Youth Advisory Board liaison,
the Outward Bound program, and CSU youth programs seeking
youth nominations.
Commission member Bryan stated 15 nominations have currently
been received and noted the bulk of the nominations come near the
end of the nomination period.
Chair Jaeger encouraged members to send invitations to their own
networks. She stated she would like to order the awards and noted
the cost has increased over the past few years.
Chair Jaeger made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Kistler, to
approve funding for seven awards. The motion carried 7-0.
Chair Jaeger recommended sending the October 17th reminder about
the awards to October 10th so as not to coincide with the reminder
about the Neurodiversity event. Members discussed sending some
type of joint announcement in addition to some individual
announcements.
Chair Jaeger suggested keeping the September announcement dates
as is and make the October 17th announcement more of a newsletter
format announcing both events.
• Education Outreach: Update re: October 23rd Neurodiversity
Educational Program
Commission member Brossus stated he sent the flyer and social
media roll out plan information to the CPIO on the 5th. He also noted
he and Commission member Cribelli have discussed the panelists
and stated they are still seeking a caregiver panelist.
Chair Jaeger stated she has contacts who are interested in
volunteering at the program.
9/11/25 – MINUTES
Commission member Brossus stated he received clarity on the
partnership being sought by The Institute for Learning and Teaching
(TILT) at CSU in terms of the Human Library and Neurodiversity
event noting they want to provide a marketing pipeline for students
and faculty to be able to participate and volunteer for community
service hours. He noted TILT is setting up a virtual bulletin board that
will advertise community events. He also provided members with a
summary of various volunteer positions that could be helpful for HRC
events such as the Neurodiversity Program.
It was asked if there are forms or paperwork that would be required
for the HRC to complete for students who volunteer. Vice Chair
Kistler specifically cited liability and asked if volunteers would be
covered by the City. Menendez suggested volunteers could sign up
through the Engage platform as other City volunteers do.
Commission member Brossus clarified the partnership with TILT
would be the marketing piece. He stated he would reach out to Sue
Schaffer to discuss the Engage portion. He clarified the shadowing
and internship piece would be different from the volunteering piece,
which is more focused on service hours.
Commission member Brossus made a motion, seconded by
Commission member Prieto, to continue to explore the volunteer
opportunities between CSU and the HRC, assuming it is
possible with Engage and appropriate documentation. The
motion carried 7-0.
Chair Jaeger thanked Commission member Brossus for his initiative
in building the relationship with TILT and CSU.
Commission member Brossus stated there has been interest through
TILT to have an opportunity for an internship or shadowing with the
HRC. He stated this would be a longer-term opportunity and noted
he has been invited to speak to a group of scholarship recipients at
CSU regarding the Commission.
Commission members expressed concern that the Commission could
not offer enough opportunities for a longer-term intern. Commission
member Brossus noted TILT is aiming to provide intentional and
fruitful opportunities for students and stated he would rather not
continue if members feel a student could not be supported effectively.
• Government Relations: Update
Commission member Prieto commented on the State General
Assembly special session that was called to address the $1.2 billion
budget shortfall. She noted K-12 education and public safety were
untouched as part of the reductions and stated about $325 million of
reserves will be used. Additionally, other smaller action items include
changes to income tax breaks, cuts to the department that oversees
9/11/25 – MINUTES
Medicaid, and cuts to higher education. She also noted Colorado
passed a law that will allow Medicaid to fund Planned Parenthood
services. Additionally, a bill passed that will put a question before
voters as to whether they want to fund supplemental SNAP benefits.
Commission member Prieto outlined the list of items that would be
funded by the CCIP tax renewal that will be on the November ballot.
• Executive: Update
Chair Jaeger asked members to review the current 2025 HRC Work
Plan in advance of the October meeting and in preparation for
drafting the 2026 Work Plan. She also noted Mayor Arndt will be
attending the beginning of the November meeting.
To support the HR Awards selection process, Chair Jaeger asked the
group to attend the November meeting in person and be prepared to
extend the meeting time, if needed.
Menendez encouraged members to look at the City Clerk’s website
for information on the November election.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. NEXT STEPS
a. Meeting Action Items
b. Next Meeting – October 9, 2025
11. ADJOURNMENT
a. 7:32 PM
Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Commission on XX/XX/XX
Signature:
DATE 2025
Dear NAME,
Thank you for nominating NAME for the 2025 Human Relations Award. We appreciate your
effort to bring your nominee to the attention of the Human Relations Commission and highlight
their work to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our community. Although
not selected as this year’s Award recipient, NAME was selected as a finalist in the AWARD
CATEGORY.
For over four decades, the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission has sponsored the
Human Relations Awards to celebrate individuals and organizations who work towards
advancing equity and social justice in our community. We applaud the important work NAME
has accomplished.
All Award recipients, finalists and their guests are cordially invited to attend the Human
Relations Awards reception and ceremony on Thursday, December 11th from 4:00-5:30pm at
City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue. NAME has been notified of their finalist status and has received
an invitation to this event. We hope you and your guests will attend this event as well.
Please RSVP to confirm you and your guests’ attendance at the Human Relations Awards by
Monday, December 1st using this LINK.
Please note that we will be serving light appetizers at the reception. You will be asked for any
necessary accommodations in the RSVP form. If you have additional questions or concerns,
please contact Beth Jaeger at bethjaeger53@gmail.com.
We truly appreciate your thoughtful nomination for the 2025 Human Relations Awards. We look
forward to seeing you on December 11th.
Sincerely,
Beth Jaeger
Chair, Human Relations Commission
DATE 2025
Dear NAME,
Congratulations! You have been nominated for a 2025 Human Relations Award! For over four
decades, the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission has sponsored the Human
Relations Awards to celebrate individuals and organizations who work towards advancing
inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our community. Although you were not selected
as this year’s Award recipient, you were selected as a finalist in the AWARD CATEGORY. We
sincerely appreciate the important work you have accomplished.
All Award recipients, finalists, and their guests are cordially invited to attend the Human
Relations Awards reception and ceremony on Thursday, December 11th, from 4:00-5:30pm at
City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue. You will be recognized by the Mayor, City Council members,
Human Relations Commission members, and other guests.
You were nominated for this award by NAME. They have also been informed of your award
finalist status and are invited to attend the Human Relations Awards event.
Please RSVP to confirm your and your guests’ attendance at the Human Relations Awards by
Monday, December 1st using this LINK.
Please note that we will be serving light appetizers at the reception. You will be asked for any
necessary accommodations on the RSVP form. If you have additional questions or concerns,
please contact Beth Jaeger at bethjaeger53@gmail.com.
Again, we applaud your important work and hope you continue these vital efforts. We look
forward to seeing you on December 11th.
Sincerely,
Beth Jaeger
Chair, Human Relations Commission
DATE 2025
Dear NAME,
Thank you for nominating NAME for the 2025 Human Relations Award. We appreciate your
effort to bring your nominee to the attention of the Human Relations Commission and highlight
their work to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our community. We are
pleased to inform you that NAME has been selected as a 2025 recipient in the AWARD
CATEGORY.
For over four decades, the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission has sponsored the
Human Relations Awards to celebrate individuals and organizations who work towards
advancing equity and social justice in our community. We applaud the important work NAME
has accomplished.
All Award recipients, finalists and their guests are cordially invited to attend the Human
Relations Awards reception and ceremony on Thursday, December 11th from 4:00-5:30pm at
City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue. NAME has been notified of their recognition and has received an
invitation to this event. We hope you and your guests will attend this event as well.
Please RSVP to confirm your and your guests’ attendance at the Human Relations Awards by
Monday, December 1st using this LINK.
Please note that we will be serving light appetizers at the reception. You will be asked for any
necessary accommodations in the RSVP form. If you have additional questions or concerns,
please contact Beth Jaeger at bethjaeger53@gmail.com.
We truly appreciate your thoughtful nomination for a 2025 Human Relations Award. We look
forward to seeing you on December 11th.
Sincerely,
Beth Jaeger
Chair, Human Relations Commission
DATE 2025
Dear NAME,
Congratulations! You have been selected for a 2025 Human Relations Award in the INSERT
category. For over four decades, the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission has
sponsored the Human Relations Awards to celebrate individuals and organizations who work
towards advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our community. We sincerely
appreciate the important work you have accomplished.
All Award recipients, finalists, and their guests are cordially invited to attend the Human
Relations Awards reception and ceremony on Thursday, December 11th, from 4:00-5:30pm at
City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue. You will be recognized by the Mayor, City Council members,
Human Relations Commission members, and other guests.
During this event, a Human Relations Commissioner will present your award to you and, if you
wish, you may offer acceptance remarks. We request that your remarks be no longer than 2-3
minutes to accommodate all our well-deserving recipients.
You were nominated for this award by NAME. They have also been informed of your recognition
and are invited to attend the Human Relations Awards event.
Please RSVP to confirm your and your guests’ attendance at the Human Relations Awards by
Monday, December 1st using this LINK.
Please note that we will be serving light appetizers at the reception. You will be asked for any
necessary accommodations in the RSVP form. If you have additional questions or concerns,
please contact Beth Jaeger at bethjaeger53@gmail.com.
Again, we applaud your significant contributions to our community. We look forward to seeing
you on December 11th.
Sincerely,
Beth Jaeger
Chair, Human Relations Commission
2025 HRC Awards Voting Rubric
HRC Commissioners: Please make a copy of this document for your own personal review of
2025 HRC Awards nominations. You can also copy and paste this chart within the document to
review multiple nominations. Score each nominee on the criteria below, where 1 represents
minimal evidence and 5 represents very strong evidence of the criterion.
Here is the outline of our voting protocol:
•Commission members complete a rubric for each nominee
•After reviewing all nominees, commission members identify their top five nominees in
each category
•During the November HRC meeting, Community Relations Lead captures each
member’s input on a flipchart
•Community Relations Lead facilitates a conversation and deliberation of the top
nominees
•Commission members vote on each category’s top nominees for award selection (as
many times as needed)
•In case of a tie vote, all scores will be tallied for top nominees, and the highest scoring
nominees will be considered; or a ranked choice voting process can be enacted
Nominee Name:
Criteria Score
(Rank 1 to
5)
Comments
(Overall impressions of the candidate)
#1 Positively impacts
underserved
population(s) in the
community
#2 Serves as role
model by motivating
others to effect
positive change in
underserved
communities
#3 Demonstrates
impact in making Fort
Collins and Larimer
County a safe and
welcoming community
for all through
advocacy for IDEA
initiatives
#4 Builds effective
partnerships with other
individuals and
organiztions to
advance IDEA within
the community
Total Score:
NoCo Community
Connections and
Belonging Picnic
(7/16)
HRC June Meeting
Discussion
Neurodiversity Event
(10/23)
HRC July Meeting
Discussion
Symposium 11/3-6
Healing- TBD
Human Relations
Awards (12/11)
Call for Nominations
Target audience- who
do we want to
invite/contact?
1. HRC email list
for public
events (750)
2. HRC email list
for networking
events (300)-
incl. Prev
attendees
3. Public
DEIJ Champions/
Practitioners
Audience: 2,3
Neurodiverse
individuals,
caregivers, CSU
community, disability
advocates, general
public
1, 2, 3
General Public
Audience: 1,2,3
When should the first
program reminder be
sent?
When should a
second reminder be
sent, if needed?
6/17-18
7/7
7/15 (RSVP
confirmation and
general reminder)
Sept 23 (1 month out)
Oct 10, Oct 20
(Melanie), Oct 21 (final
RSVP push)
9/3- done
9/20- done
10/20 (Melanie)
10/30
~Oct 3 (Three weeks out)
Due to CPIO delays
What is the best
channel to reach the
target audience?
(email, posters/flyers,
social media/
websites, other)
Email, asking for
RSVPs to the HRC
email via Google
Form
Open to the public but
not publicly advertised
- Email (via HRC
mailbox, DAB, CSU
lists)
- Printed flyers
(libraries, CSU,
community spaces) -
City social media (if
allowed)
City social media
Flyers
NoCo Style (free)
Upward Bound
Fatima
How should emails be
sent? (HRC mailbox,
personal email)
HRC mailbox HRC mailbox+
personal contacts
(DAB, CSU)
HRC email, personal
What, if any, is the
cost of these
marketing efforts?
None Minimal— flyer
printing (CPIO),
in-kind only
Coloradan
Flyers CPIO
Other considerations?
Confirmation Email - RSVP via Google
Form
- Targeted outreach
only, not publicly
advertised
- Max cap: 120
attendees
- Hopeful target:
60–80 attendees
- Bring HR Awards
flyers to event
- Photos + recap
support requested
from CSU student
partner (Danyel
Addes’ office)
Notes: Hoping for 60 to 80
Max is 120
**BringAward flyers to
event
Connect with Melanie
for City social media
best practices, their
posting schedule
FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
2025 WORK PLAN
November 30, 2024
MISSION
As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates, and advocates for
equity and inclusion in the City of Fort Collins.
VISION
Embracing differences and giving value to every human being.
PURPOSE
The Fort Collins City Council established the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in 1964 to promote acceptance,
equity, inclusion and respect for diversity through educational programs and to act in an advisory capacity to the
City Council.
LONG RANGE GOALS
Cultivate relationships with the community and media that support the mission and vision
Provide educational outreach that promotes equity and inclusion
Advocate for an equitable and inclusive environment in city government and community
The Fort Collins Human Relations Commission will continue a broad plan for enhancing productive human
relations and supporting social sustainability issues that are pertinent to the City of Fort Collins and are
consistent with the City Charter and the City Code.
The Commission will strive to be informed about diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice issues within
Fort Collins and will recommend appropriate action to City Council.
The Commission will recommend programs, policies, and activities that promote positive human relations
and equitable outcomes and greater opportunities for all. The Commission also may create and deliver
programs and activities in furtherance of this objective.
HRC goals and responsibilities are divided among four standing committees for procedural reasons, but
are not exclusive to any one committee.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Determine meeting agendas for monthly and special HRC meetings
• Maintain regular communication with the HRC’s City Council Liaison and City Council
• Collaborate with and support the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion programs and initiatives
• Delegate issues for resolution to standing or special committees
• Provide support to HRC standing committees as needed
• Call special meetings as needed
• Adopt an “open door” policy and meet with Commissioners as needed
• Explore opportunities to collaborate with other Boards and Commissions
THE COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Plan, coordinate and execute an annual Human Relations Awards event; consider both “live”
and “virtual” options; promote early nominations for Award recipients; redefine award
categories as needed to better reflect community diversity and inclusion
• Recommend updates and refinements to the HRC website content so that its message and
branding are clear
• Expand HRC’s community relations by maintaining and building updated contact lists
• Organize and track efforts by developing, in collaboration with the City, detailed communication
plans for specific programs and events
• Explore opportunities and collaborate with other DEIJ-focused groups and organizations to build
community DEIJ efforts and impact, e.g., DEIJ networking events, ERG meet-ups, etc.
• Report monthly to the HRC
THE EDUCATION OUTREACH COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Create a better understanding of equity and inclusion through educational programs and events,
including, for example, collaborating with community organizations to host a “Human Library”
event
• Seek to deliver programs and events that educate community members and recommend actions
that promote positive relationships in the city, all in the most accessible and equitable way
• Plan and deliver interactive public forums and discussion sessions facilitated by Commission
members and/or guest speakers
• Propose collaboration opportunities with local organizations or other boards or commissions to
respond to new or long-standing community issues or topics as identified in the City’s Equity
Plan and/or City Council priorities
• Document committee events to increase efficiency in future programming
• Evaluate the impact of programming by surveying participants
• Report monthly to the HRC
THE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Monitor City Council activity and attend meetings as needed
• Review proposed legislation, policy changes or other governmental actions at the Federal, State
or Local level which may affect human rights in Fort Collins and recommend actions as
appropriate
• Establish consistent lines of communication with community leaders and partners, including
periodic meetings with elected officials, candidates for local and state offices, etc. focused on
topics related to equity and inclusion (for example, public health, housing, transportation and
employment issues)
• Align HRC’s priority objectives with local and state priorities as appropriate
• Advocate for people of color to join City Boards, Commissions and Government
• Explore scope of HRC quasi-judicial work with city leaders as requested. The HRC’s quasi-judicial
role is to defined as follow in section 2-175 (b)(2) of the city code: To assist residents of the City
in utilizing the complaint procedure under Chapter 13, Article II of the code and to hear appeals
from decisions of the City Manager as provided in Subsection 13-23 (b) of the Code; provided,
however, that any members of the Commission who have rendered assistance to particular
complainants shall refrain from participating in the Commission’s review of any decision of the
City Manager related to such complainant.
• Report monthly to HRC
DATE: October 10, 2025
TO: Claudia Menendez, Director, Fort Collins’ Office of Equity and Inclusion
Liz Messenger, Senior Specialist, Fort Collins’ Office of Equity and Inclusion
Emily Francis, Mayor Pro Tem, Fort Collins City Council HRC Liaison
Laurie Kadrich, Assistant County Manager, Larimer County
FROM: Barb Kistler, Fort Collins Human Relations Commission
Fatima Prieto, Larimer County Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board
RE: Final Report, Northern Colorado Belonging and Connection Mixer, July 16, 2025
The Fort Collins Human Relations Commission and the Larimer County Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion Advisory Board respectfully submit the following report outlining the latest input from
the “Belonging and Connection Mixer” hosted on July 16, 2025, at the Fort Collins Senior
Center. This mixer, the third such event co-hosted in the last two years, attracted 135
participants from throughout Northern Colorado – our largest event yet! Note: the two 2024
events combined attracted 175 participants so interest in these kinds of programs continues to
grow.
Both co-host organizations extend our deepest gratitude to City and County leadership for
continually supporting these much needed and appreciated events!
Neurodiversity Educational Program – Project Timeline & Planning
Artifact Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Event Date: October 23, 2025 Location: Fort Collins Senior Center (Confirmed) Estimated Budget: $1,500 Co-Leads: Everton Brossus (Education Chair), Barb Kistler (Vice Chair) Collaborators: Teresa Cribelli (Speaker Coordination), Disability Advisory Board (DAB)
🧠🧠 Project Timeline Task Deadline Lead(s) Done (Y/N) Confirm collaboration with Disability Advisory
Montgomery (DAB) to define collaboration and promotional
(panel format, speakers, intro, Q&A,
neurodiverse individuals, 1 therapist, 1
DAB, CSU, libraries,
Form or HRC mailbox) Order refreshments/snacks
with
4:30–5:30pm / Food & networking 5:30–6:00pm / Program
thank yous, photos,
📣📣 Communications Plan Summary - Target Audience: Neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, disability advocates, CSU community, general public - Primary Channels: Email, printed flyers, City social media, internal org lists (DAB, CSU, libraries) - Email Method: Via HRC mailbox, personal contacts, DAB lists - Social Cadence: 1 month out, 2 weeks, 1 week, 3 days, and day-of reminders - Printed Materials: Flyers and posters placed at libraries, CSU, community spaces - Budget Notes: Flyers, snacks, accessibility (interpreter or sensory support) prioritized; food donations encouraged
🛠🛠 Special Considerations - Coordination with DAB: Aligning with their awards on Oct 20; co-marketing confirmed interest - Accessibility: Confirm sensory-friendly layout, seating, signage, and interpreters by mid-August - Promotion: No mass social media posting unless confirmed as a public event. Targeted outreach via email preferred.
- Backup Planning: If any speaker cancels, aim for internal community storytelling or a facilitated conversation
📅📅 Event Program Breakdown (Oct 23) - 4:30–5:30 PM: Set-up and logistics - 5:30–6:00 PM: Light food and networking - 6:00–6:45 PM: Presentation by Teresa Cribelli and Anais Campbell - 6:45–6:55 PM: 10-minute intermission/break - 6:55–7:50 PM: Panel discussion (moderated, 45–55 minutes)
📌📌 Next Steps Review this artifact at upcoming HRC meetings to confirm timeline, responsibilities, and budget approval. Submit into Comms rubric format as required.
Neurodiversity Event Plan – Changes Report (10/25)
• Email invites (HRC, DAB, CSU, libraries, orgs): September 9 → October 3
• Finalize flyer content and branding: September 5 → October 3
• Get flyer approved by City/CPIO: ~October 3 → October 3–8
• Coordinate printed flyers/posters: ~October 3 → October 3–8
• Confirm RSVP method (Google Form or HRC mailbox): September 12 → October
3–8