PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The City of Columbus has received a Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) contract under the Community Development Fund from the Texas Department of Agriculture. In order to comply with the Civil Rights requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act and the Fair Housing Law, the City of Columbus has established policies, plans, and resolutions to ensure that equal opportunities are afforded to all persons and that no person shall be excluded or denied program benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or age. Policies include the following:
1. Equal Opportunity
2. Section 3 Economic Opportunity
3. Affirmative Action
4. Excessive Force Policy
5. Section 504 Non-Discrimination Policy
6. Fair Housing Policy
7. Limited English Proficiency Plan
8. Citizen Participation Plan
A copy of the above-mentioned plans, policies, and resolutions is available at the City Hall in Columbus, Texas. Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling the City Hall, at 979 732 2366.
FAIR HOUSING PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
To promote fair housing practices, the City of Columbus encourages potential homeowners and renters to be aware of their rights under the National Fair Housing Law. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin in the sale or rental of units in the housing market. For more information on fair housing or to report possible fair housing discrimination, call the Texas Workforce Commission at (888) 452-4778 or (512) 463-2642 TTY: (512) 371-7473.
NON-DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY STATUS
The City of Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or employment in, its program or activities. The City Manager or equivalent authorized person has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8. dated June 2, 1988).
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION & GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES NOTICE
FOR THE TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
The City of Columbus has adopted complaint and grievance procedures regarding its Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program. Citizens may obtain a copy of these written procedures at the City of Columbus City Hall, located at 605 Spring St.,Columbus TX 78934 during regular business hours (except holidays). Citizens may also request the procedures be mailed to them by calling the City Manager or equivalent authorized person ’s Office at (830) 598-2424. These procedures outline the steps for a citizen to follow if he/she wishes to file a complaint or grievance about TxCDBG activities. A person who has a complaint or grievance about any services or activities with respect to the TxCDBG project may submit such complaint or grievance, in writing to the City Manager or equivalent authorized person at the City Hall, 605 Spring St.,Columbus TX 78934 or may call 979 732 2366. The City of Columbus will make every effort to respond fully to such complaints or grievances within fifteen (15) working days where practicable after receipt of the original complaint or grievance.
SECTION 3 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
The City of Columbus strives to attain goals for compliance with Federal Section 3 regulations by increasing opportunities for employment and contracting with Section 3 residents and businesses where feasible.