07-12-10 Council Agenda & Packet

Home Browse Search

O�S�� I City of South Bend �VeA ^ Common. Council 1865 441 County -City Building . 227 W Jefferson Blvd South Bend, Indiana 46601 -1830 Derek D. Dieter President Oliver J. Davis Vice - President Ann Puzzello Chairperson, Committee of the Whole Derek D. Dieter First District Henry Davis, Jr. Second District Thomas LaFountain Third District Ann Puzzello Fourth District David Varner Fifth District Oliver J. Davis Sixth District Al "Buddy' Kirsits At Large Timothy A. Rouse At Large Karen L. White At Large June 9, 2010 Members of the South Bend Common Council 41' Floor County City Building South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235.9321 Fax (574) 235 -9173 TDD (574) 235 -5567 http://www.southbendia.gov Re: Proposed Amendments to the South Beard Human Rights Ordinance Addressing Employment Fairness in the City of South Bend Dear Council Members: We are pleased to introduce for your consideration the attached 18 -page amended ordinance. This amended ordinance would replace the South Bend Human Rights Ordinance currently set forth in Chapter 2, Article 9, Sections 1 -126 through 2- 132.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code. South Bend has a strong history of innovation and resilience, and has adapted to the challenges the city has faced in the last 145 years. Because the economy of South Bend is no longer dependent on a strong manufacturing base, the city has been working to attract more diverse businesses to locate here. If we want to foster entrepreneurship and to attract and retain competitive, innovative businesses, we need to provide the right climate and opportunities for businesses to thrive in South Bend. As a community, South Bend wants to attract the best and the brightest. To do that, we need to be a community where innovative businesses and individuals want to locate. The City of South Bend has committed to invest tens of millions of dollars to support nanoelectronics commercialization. With the development of Innovation and Ignition Parks, South Bend is positioning itself to attract high tech industries and entrepreneurs that can help us live up to our goal of becoming a 215` Century city. When the city discusses promoting economic development, we often focus on tax abatements and policies, the cost of real estate and housing, and educational opportunities. But, to promote diverse economic development, we also need to insure that South Bend is welcoming to a diverse population that fosters creativity and innovation. Such diversity not only includes diversity with regard to race, ethnicity, and religion, but also sexual orientation and gender identity.