Boards and commissions are an established feature of Austin's municipal government. State, federal and Charter provisions establish several of the City's boards and commissions, while most result from the passage of ordinances. Boards and commissions address a multitude of topics including planning, zoning, transportation, parks, libraries and the airport. Their influence and value are significant because they lend a more diverse viewpoint for the City Council to consider, by offering citizens an opportunity to participate in the City's governmental process. A full list of the current City of Austin boards and commissions is available on the City of Austin website.
Coordinating appointments to City of Austin boards and commissions are overseen by the City of Austin Office of the City Clerk. The City Clerk website is also a clearinghouse for disseminating information about boards and commissions to the public. However, each board and commission has an advising representative from a relevant corresponding city department. The Planning Commission has city staff from the Planning and Development Review Department assigned to it. Board and commission members must be nominated by a member of the City Council.
The Human Relations Commission advises and consults with the city council on all matters involving racial, religious or ethnic discrimination and devise practices to promote equal opportunity. It is an advisory body on non-discrimination policies, aids in forming local community groups, investigates complaints of prejudice and discrimination and conducts educational programs. See Section 2-1-148 of the City Code for additional duties. The commission was established under the authority of Ordinance No. 20071129-011.
From the guide to the Austin (Tex. ). Boards and Commissions. Human Relations Commission Records AR. 1991. 057., 1981, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )
