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Human and Civil Rights Commission

About the Commission

The Human and Civil Rights Commission plays a pivotal role in advising the King County Executive, King County Council, and the public on implementing policies that advance human and civil rights. Our mission is to strengthen antidiscrimination ordinances, support equity goals, and ensure that all county residents are treated fairly and justly.

 

 

Key Duties

  • Advising on Policy – Recommend ways to strengthen anti-discrimination policies and address historical inequities.
  • Engaging with Communities – Gather input from historically disadvantaged groups to inform county decisions.
  • Reviewing Civil Rights Protections – Assess the effectiveness of current laws and recommend improvements.
  • Monitoring Policy Impacts – Ensure County policies promote fairness and do not disproportionately harm marginalized communities.
  • Supporting Equity Efforts – Provide input on legislation, equity plans, and resource allocations to advance justice.
  • Crafting Annual Reports – Prepare annual reports for the Executive and Council on commission activities, progress, and plans including recommendations on commission independence, Civil Rights Program compliance analyses, and the Program’s placement within the Executive branch.

Information Sessions

 

The Human Civil Rights Commission team hosted two virtual public information sessions about the application process, timeline, and background. See a recording of the presentation below:

Background

 

The Human and Civil Rights Commission was established by King County in June 2024 by Ordinance 19770 (codified at K.C.C. 2.31.020). This Commission is a continuation of the County’s work and dedication to equity and justice, evolving from King County Affirmative Action Committee that was established in 1976 to the King County Civil Rights Commission in 1995.

 

Term

For the initial commission formation, five commission positions shall have initial terms of three years, three positions shall have initial terms of two years, and the remainder of the positions shall have initial terms of one year; terms will be determined by randomized methods.


At the conclusion of the initial term of each appointment, all subsequent terms of each position shall be for three years.

Time Commitment

Commissioners can expect a time commitment of about 5 hours per month for the first year as it develops its annual report and recommendations to the Executive Office and Council. Meeting cadence is once a month.

Compensation

Non-government-employed commissioners receive a $75 stipend provided for each monthly commission meeting monthly to reduce financial barriers for involvement in the commission as well as travel expense reimbursements (e.g. mileage, bus ticket, etc.)

 

Join us in making a difference and ensuring that King County is a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

 

 

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