The Human Rights Division will be a conduit for change by eliminating barriers to equality, bridging our divisions, and helping our citizens respect each other's diversity.
Domestic Violence Program
The Domestic Violence Program works together with community and criminal justice agencies to serve victims of domestic violence throughout Pierce County by providing education and direct services.
Landlord/Tenant Program
The Landlord/Tenant Program is focused on improving the quality of life for the citizens of Tacoma by equipping landlords and tenants with the tools needed to sustain safe, healthy, equitable and crime free communities.
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing program receives, investigates, and resolves complaints of discrimination in housing transactions (rental, sales, lending, insurance, advertising) alleging violations of the Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 1.29 of the Official code of the City of Tacoma, as amended, and the federal Fair Housing Act.
Equal Employment and Public Accomodation Discrimination
The program enforces Chapter 1.29 of Tacoma's law against discrimination by investigating complaints filed by individuals who believe they have been discriminated against due to a protected class in the areas of Public Accomodation and Equal Employment.
Americans With Disabilities Act
The City of Tacoma's ADA Coordinator ensures equal access to all programs, activities, and services. Access issues are addressed through the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, consultation with City staff to ensure ADA compliance, and investigation and resolution of constituent complaints.
Commission on Disabilities
This Commission on Disabilities is an 11 member group that advises the City Council on issues, policies, and programs that impact individuals with disabilities. They also promote equal access to all City of Tacoma programs, activities, and services by serving on committees that support the City’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.
Discrimination Complaint Process
A brief outline of the steps used by the investigative division of the Tacoma Human Rights & Human Services Department in processing complaints. Not every charge will require all of the steps since many complaints are resolved early in the process.
Human Rights Commission
In association with other organizations and individuals, the Commission will provide leadership and support in illuminating discrimination and prejudice through enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and education programs.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
The City of Tacoma, Human Rights and Human Services Department celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday in January each year with a free program at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall featuring music, dance, poetry, speeches and singing. A canned food drive to help fill local food banks is held in conjunction with the event.
Fair Housing Conference
For over 23 years the City has shown its commitment to equal access to housing opportunities with the annual Tacoma Fair Housing Conference. It is the only annual conference of its kind in western Washington. It is designed to give housing professionals, from real estate brokers to onsite management staff, attorneys, and social service staff, a strong understanding of fair housing laws, the ability to identify potential fair housing violations, and the tools needed to develop policies in compliance with fair housing laws. 2009 Conference slideshow
Email contact for this page
Human Rights and Human Services Department
747 Market Street, Room 836, Tacoma, WA 98402
253-591-5151 (voice) | hrhs@cityoftacoma.org | 253-591-5050 (fax) | 253-591-5153 (TTY)
People with hearing or speech impairments may contact us through Washington Relay Services 1-800-833-6388 (TTY or ASCII); 1-800-833-6386 (VCO); or 1-877-833-6341 (STS)