Grand Rapids — Ch. 176 Human Rights § 9.965
Creation; Membership
Operative Text
(1) A Community Relations Commission (CRC) is established to work with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), City Manager and City Commission to support and promote this Chapter and strengthen the relationship between the community and the City of Grand Rapids. (2) The CRC shall consist of thirteen (13) members to be appointed for a term of three (3) years by the Mayor with the approval of the City Commission. CRC members shall be selected, to the extent possible, to be representative of the community at large. (3) A member may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. A member may be reappointed to the CRC three (3) years after the expiration of that member's last term. (4) Three (3) members shall be appointed each year for terms commencing on the first Tuesday in January. (5) In the event of resignation, removal, or death of a member, that member's successor shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Commission to serve for the unexpired term of the departed member. (6) The CRC shall meet not less than once per month. A quorum of its members, that being a majority of members appointed to the CRC, shall adopt such rules as deemed necessary for the conduct of business. (7) The CRC shall elect a chairperson and such other officers as it deems necessary. (8) The chairperson shall appoint such subcommittees as necessary, including but not limited to ad hoc subcommittees to address issues brought by the ODI, the City Manager, and/or the City Commission. (9) CRC members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses necessarily incurred in connection with their duties as members of the CRC. (10) The City shall provide staff support to the CRC through the ODI, or as otherwise directed by the City Manager.
Grand Rapids City Code § 9.965 establishes the Community Relations Commission (CRC), a thirteen-member advisory body created to support the City's human rights chapter and foster ties between residents and local government. Members are appointed by the Mayor with City Commission approval, serve staggered three-year terms, and are limited to two consecutive terms before a mandatory three-year gap. The CRC meets at least monthly, elects its own officers, and may form subcommittees to address issues raised by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the City Manager, or the City Commission.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Grand Rapids should be aware that § 9.965 creates the CRC as the civic body charged with supporting and promoting the City's human rights ordinance. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the CRC's role, since the Commission works alongside the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to address community concerns that may include housing-related equity issues. Staying informed about CRC meetings—which occur at least once per month and are open to the public—can help operators understand how the human rights chapter is being interpreted and applied locally.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Grand Rapids City Code § 9.965, the Community Relations Commission exists in part to strengthen the relationship between residents and the City, making it a potential resource for tenants who have concerns related to the human rights chapter. Tenants may attend CRC meetings, which are held at least monthly, or bring concerns to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which provides staff support to the Commission. Those seeking guidance on rights under the human rights chapter may also consider reaching out to local tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services familiar with Grand Rapids ordinances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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