Commission on Human Rights

The City of Albany is a community rich in ethnic, racial, cultural and religious diversity. Such diversity contributes to the social fabric of our City and should be celebrated and respected. In that regard, the Commission on Human Rights was created to foster an atmosphere of respect and celebration of our diversity. In accordance with the objectives of the Omnibus Human Rights Law, the Commission on Human Rights seeks to assure that the residents of our City are safeguarded against all forms of discrimination in violation of state and local law. The primary objectives of the Commission are:

  • To foster mutual respect and understanding among all persons and racial, religious, and nationality groups in our community
  • To inquire into incidents of tension and conflict among or between various racial, religious, and nationality groups, and to take such action as may be designed to alleviate such tensions and conflict
  • To receive complaints of alleged discrimination because of race, creed color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, arrest and/or conviction record and to attempt to resolve such conflicts
  1. Human Rights Commission

    Physical Address
    24 Eagle Street
    Room 102
    Albany, NY 12207


To request information or file a complaint please email humanrights@albanyny.gov

CallforApplicantsCHR (PNG)

Meetings

The Commission has regularly scheduled meetings the third week of every month. Community members are invited to attend meetings in person or virtually via YouTube (City of Albany, NY Public Meetings).

January 2023 Meeting: Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
February 2023 Meeting: February 16, 2023 6:00pm
March 2023 Meeting: March 16, 2023 at 6:00pm
April 2023 Meeting: April 11, 2023 at 6:00pm

Commission Members

Pursuant to City of Albany Code, the Commission consists of nine members, five of whom are appointed by the Mayor and four of whom are appointed by the Common Council. Members of the Commission must reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility. Members are appointed to three-year terms.

Commissioner
Appointment Expiration
Appointed By
Aaron Moore, Chair 8/21/21Common Council
Thomas Mueller
Common Council
Rosie Love, Vice Chair9/1/24Mayor
Natisha M. Alexander 8/21/23Common Council
Thomas Richards, Jr.10/29/23Mayor
Kate Shelly5/13/24Mayor
Richard Conti
8/21/24
Common Council
Celia Evers10/29/23Mayor
Valerie Alexander-Moseley5/13/2023Mayor

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Complaint

You may file a complaint with the City of Albany Commission on Human Rights if you are member of the public and believe that you have been the victim of discrimination. U.S, N.Y.S Laws and City code prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, gender (includes gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military status and any other class/characteristic protected by law.

Contact staff if you need one mailed to you for your completion.  When your complaint is completed and signed, the Commission will review your claim and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include referring your complaint to another agency.

To assist in expediting your complaint, please be prepared to provide us with the following information:

  1. Names, titles and contact information for all persons alleged to have discriminated against
  2. Documentation or evidence that supports your claim
  3. Names and contact information for any witnesses to the alleged discrimination

Note: Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged unlawful discriminatory act.

Meeting Minutes

2023

Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - February 16 2023
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights -  January 19 2023

2022

Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - September 15 2022
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - May 19, 2022
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - April 21, 2022

2021

Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - December 16 2021
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - Nov 18 2021
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - Oct 21 2021
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - Sep 23 2021 
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - April 20, 2021
Minutes - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - March 16, 2021

Meeting Agendas and Notices

Agenda - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - March 16 2023
Agenda - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - February 16 2023
Agenda - City of Albany Commission on Human Rights - January 19 2023

Applicable Laws

City of Albany General Code Chapter 42 Part 36 Article XLVII Sections 42-361 to 42-367 and Chapter 48 Articles I - III Sections 48-1 to 48-27. New York State General City Law Article 12-D Sections 239-O to 239-T.

Annual Reports

Annual Report Commission on Human Rights - 2022
Summary of Complaints - 2022
Summary of Complaints - 2019