Commission Purpose

As outlined in Bend City Code 1.20.110, the HREC will:

1. Provide input to the City Council on City goals and policies from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective.
2. Create a workplan for diversity, equity, and inclusion and advise the City Council on implementation, progress, and updates to the plan.
3. Work with the Bend community, interested groups, staff, and elected officials to make recommendations that embrace the City’s commitment to building a more inclusive community.

4. Provide opportunities for people seeking resolution and assistance regarding complaints of discrimination in Bend, including potential violations of the City's Equal Rights Ordinance. HREC may connect people with resources and assistance and seek resolution of complaints through conciliatory or educational processes, but does not have authority to compel participation, require specific actions, or impose economic sanctions or other penalties.

For more information about this Commission, please review the code and ordinance created to establish the Commission. Please contact Andrés Portela with any questions about the Commission.

---

Commissioners

1. Chair: Jeff Kitchens, (He/Him)
2. Council Connector: Jasmine Wilder, (She/Her)
3. Adrienne McDougal, (She/Her/Hers)
4. Agatha Ventura, (She/Her/Hers)
5. Cameron Fischer, (She/Her)
6. Carly Colgan, (She/Her)
7. Eli Loewenstern, (He/Him)
8. Jackie Currie, (She/They)
9. Linda Hiemer, (She/Her)
10. Ruth Vernotico, (They/She/He)
11. Scott Jones, (He/Him)
12. Vanessa Covington, (She/Her)
13. Vacant

Council Liaison

Megan Perkins, (She/Her), Mayor Pro Tem

Meetings

Upcoming Meetings

Agendas 

Agendas are uploaded closer to the meeting date.

Meeting Archives

For additional meeting archives, please contact Lisa Larsen.

Supporting Documents

• Human Rights and Equity Commission 2023 - 2024 Work Plan Final Report 
• Council Memo: Report and Recommendations on DEI Council Goal (8/19/20) 
• Allyship in Action Report to City Council (8/19/20)
• Allyship in Action Presentation to Council (8/19/20)
• Ordinance and Code for Human Rights and Equity Commission (10/21/20)

Accessing Archived Documents and Accommodations

If you have questions about accessing previous years documents, need documents in an alternate format, trouble accessing links, or need to request an accommodation to attend a meeting, please email equity@bendoregon.gov or call 541-323-8563 for further assistance. Thank you!

Para solicitar copias en español de los documentas en esta página web o en un formato alternativo como Braille, letra grande, formatos electrónicos, etc.: Por favor contacte al Director de Equidad e Inclusión, Andrés Portela aportela@bendoregon.gov o llame al 541-323-8563. Los usuarios de retransmisión marquen el 7-1-1.