Workforce Diversity & the Human Rights Ordinance
City of Grand Rapids
Workforce Diversity Efforts and Activities
We are committed to providing employees with a working environment that celebrates diversity. A diverse workforce allows us to better serve our community. We provide technical help to employees about a variety of employment related issues. Some issues are listed below:
- Americans with Disability Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations
- Employment opportunities
- Recruiting
- Interviewing
We provide an annual comprehensive analysis of the employment activities. Our annual Workforce Diversity report identifies opportunities to recognize diversity achievements and analyzes our hiring, promotion and turnover activity. This report provides recommendations for improvement to the administration of the City.
Staff Investigations
The Office of Equity & Engagement is responsible for investigating and addressing internal allegations of harassment and sexual harassment. If you wish to file a complaint on your behalf or on behalf of another employee, please complete the Complaint Referral Form found in the back of Administrative Policy 01-01 (Harassment in the Workplace) or Administrative Policy 86-01 (Sexual Harassment in the Workplace). Forms can then be submitted to Sierra Hatfield, Equity Systems Manager, at shatfield@grand-rapids.mi.us or in person to Suite 480. Please allow 1-3 business days for a response from our office regarding next steps.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides that the City of Grand Rapids may not refuse to allow an individual with a disability to participate in or be denied the benefits of its programs, services or activities. This means that all City activities, programs, and facilities should be available to individuals with disabilities; that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communication with others; and that such services, activities and programs for individuals with disabilities should not be separate and distinct from other programs unless separate programs are necessary to ensure that benefits and services are equally effective. Are you aware of City-sponsored activities, programs and services which don't appear to comply with the provisions of Title II of the ADA? Let us know by filing a complaint.
Human Rights Ordinance (HRO)
On August 27, 2019, the City Commission approved the revised Human Rights Ordinance. The Human Rights Ordinance was originally brought forward by the City’s Community Relations Commission in early April 2019. Over the past four months, City staff made changes to address City Commission feedback and community comments made at the public hearing in late April. This Ordinance will go into effect on December 1, 2019. The final ordinance can be found here.
Download Ordinance Here (PDF, 119KB)
HRO Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the new Human Rights Ordinance can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions Here (PDF, 132KB)
HRO Engagement
The Office of Equity and Engagement has been working with our partner agencies and the community to present training on the new Human Rights Ordinance.
Trainings Listed Here (PDF, 99KB)
File HRO Complaint
If you would like to continue on with filing your complaint, the complaint form can be found below:
Hate Crime Initiatives
We work at the state and local level to respond to hate crime incidents that occur within our community. Our efforts include developing a membership list, hosting committee meetings, and collecting data that we share with governmental agencies.
We work with the West Michigan Alliance Against hate Crimes (MIAAHC). MIAAHC works to address hate crimes on the state and local level. Learn more about MIAAHC here.
Investment Policy
Our Investment Policy evaluates investment options and awards bonus basis points to financial institutions. Bonus points are awarded based upon their Community Reinvestment Act rating, local workforce employment, equitable lending practices and other innovative programs.
City Commission Policy 400-01 includes:
- Investing to Encourage Community Lending
- Banking and Employment Practices
Financial institutions under Section 3 of City Commission Policy may be eligible to get bonus basis points. Learn more about how bonus basis points are awarded in our Investment Program and Policy.
