Milwaukee County’s Office of Equity works to modernize policies, strengthen inclusive hiring practices, and reimagine the Human Rights Commission to better protect residents’ rights. The office partners with departments and the community to ensure county policies promote fairness, transparency, and equity. Community members can get involved by sharing feedback, attending public meetings, and staying informed as projects progress.
County Policy Review (2024)
Project Overview: In partnership with Human Resources, Department of Administrative Services, and others, OOE reviewed 373 policies, identifying opportunities to modernize for inclusivity and efficiency.
Key Activities:
- Redrafted Milwaukee County Government Ordinance §9.03 on financial disclosures to be more equitable and transparent.
- Collaboration with Human Resources implementing hiring processes that encouraged more diverse hiring and a reduction in bias.
Timeline:
- Ongoing: As a primary function of the office, OOE is committed to advancing equity through the ongoing review of county policies, ensuring they promote fairness, inclusivity, and access for all community members.
How to Get Involved:
- Share your thoughts for changing county policy at County Board meetings (Meeting Calendar). Meetings are open, and the public is welcome to attend. Public comment, usually limited to two minutes, is welcome at committee meetings. If you are unable to testify in person, you can sign up to testify virtually here: Standing Committees.
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Contact Information:
- For all inquiries relating to OOE's county policy review process, please contact our Strategic Communications Manager Jacqueline Zeledon ([email protected])
Human Rights Commission
Project Overview: Through extensive analysis of Milwaukee County bylaws and ordinances, OOE proposed the idea of reimagining the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and rewrote the County Ordinance that created the commission to be more inclusive and effective for Milwaukee County Residents.
The HRC's primary purpose is to address equal rights violations relating to things such as race, gender, religion, and other protected characteristics.
Goals and Impact:
- Strengthen understanding and respect among people of different religions, cultures, and racial backgrounds in the community.
- Help citizens recognize their responsibilities in a busy, modern city.
- Promote pride and unity by supporting educational programs, community activities, and cultural events that celebrate the county’s diverse backgrounds and talents.
- Ensure people are aware of their legal rights and the government and private resources available to support seniors, youth, those in need, and individuals with disabilities.
- Track and protect the county’s skills and talents, recommending ways to strengthen and improve these valuable human resources.
- Educate residents about their rights related to property ownership, insurance, finances, and employment.
- Advocate for laws and regulations that protect consumers and ensure the quality of goods and services.
Key Activities:
- Revised 30+ year old language to acknowledge social changes and progress
- Removed functions that were out of scope for the HRC
- Revised HRC's duties and powers to better align with Milwaukee County's mission and vision
- Changed focus to engaging, educating, and building power in the community to help the county achieve racial equity.
- Created guiding principles to support the execution of HRC work
- Formally established the relationship between the HRC and the Office of Equity
Timeline:
- June 2024- Research for the project began
- August 2024- Proposed changes were presented to the County Board of Supervisors
Progress Updates:
- Human Rights Commission meetings are currently paused until further notice.
How to get involved:
- Once meetings have restarted, attend them to stay up to date on activities and to raise any concerns you may have!
Contact Information:
For all questions, please contact the Human Rights Commission directly