Press Release: Human Rights & Relations Task Force to Begin Work in New Year

Edina, Minn., Dec. 12, 2024 – To allow members more flexibility and increase engagement with the community, the City’s Human Rights and Relations Commission will operate as an ad hoc task force beginning next month.

The City Council recently approved the change at the group’s request, removing the Commission from the City Code. This means it can now work as a task force, allowing members to dive deeper into projects with an intentional focus on changes that align with the City’s ongoing equity and inclusion efforts. As a task force, the group has three priorities: support City staff in the development of an Equity Strategic Action Plan, advise the City on any significant human rights or inclusion issues in the community in 2025, and create more opportunities to connect and engage with the community. The task force is expected to draft a report for the City Council before the end of 2025 summarizing its work and any recommendations for future action.

Current commissioners will serve on the task force. Members of the community are invited to participate in task force meetings and discussions evaluating and discussing the future of equity and engagement efforts. The group’s first meeting has been tentatively set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. It and future meeting dates will be posted on the City’s calendar.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager Thomas Brooks will continue to serve as staff liaison to the group. For more information on the work of the task force, contact Brooks at thbrooks@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-1622.