Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin will be hosting a Fair Housing Conference on April 16 - 17, 2024, at the Norris Conference Center. The conference aims to engage policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and community members in discussions surrounding fair housing issues and strategies for fostering inclusive communities.
According to Tamela Saldana Ph.D., Interim Director of the Office of Civil Rights, the conference will offer insights into legal updates, current fair housing issues, and ways to promote inclusive communities. Saldana stated, “It's an invaluable opportunity to reflect on our progress in advancing fair housing principles.”
Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department, highlighted the importance of fair housing in ensuring diversity and inclusivity within communities. DeMayo expressed gratitude for the collaboration among City departments to centralize housing resources and address critical housing needs in Austin.
The conference coincides with National Fair Housing Month, celebrating the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on various factors such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status, aiming to provide fair housing nationwide.
Collaborating for the second annual conference, the Office of Civil Rights, Housing Department, and Economic Development Department will offer a Colony Park Sustainable Community Bus Tour as part of the event. The tour will showcase future community development plans and provide insights into inclusive, sustainable growth in Austin.
Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department, emphasized the department’s commitment to empowering communities and supporting the needs of all Austinites through participation in the Fair Housing Conference.
The City of Austin Fair Housing Conference will feature panel discussions, a Housing Resource Hub, and opportunities to connect with community organizations to address various housing needs. Austinites are encouraged to register for the conference at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/FairHousingConference to participate in these important conversations promoting inclusive communities.
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