The Human Relations Commission is charged with the discretion to act with respect to any human relations matter when the Commission finds that any person or group does not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the community, or is unfairly or differently treated due to factors of concern to the Commission:

• Public or private opportunities or resources in the community include, but are not limited to, those associated with ownership and rental of housing, employment, education and governmental services and benefits;
• Factors of concern to the Commission including but not limited to, socioeconomic class or status, physical condition or handicap, married or unmarried state, emotional condition, intellectual ability, age, sex, sexual preference, race, cultural characteristics, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship, and religious, conscientious or philosophical belief; and
• The Commission will conduct such studies and undertake such responsibilities as the Council may direct.

The Commission is composed of seven members who are not Council Members, officers, or employees of the City, and who are residents of the City of Palo Alto. Terms are for three years and commence on April 1. See PAMC Sections 2.16 and 2.22. In order to be notified of vacancies and appointment procedures, you may contact the City Clerk's Office at 329-2571.

Regular meetings are at 7:00pm on the second Thursday of each month and are cablecast live on Government Channel 26. Please check the Schedule of City Meetings for exact dates, times and location.

To contact Members of the Human Relations Commission, send an e-mail to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org

Chair: Claude Ezran
Vice Chair: Jill O'Nan
Staff Liaison: Minka van der Zwaag - 650-463-4953
Council Liaison: Gail Price