Commission on Human Relations

Mission

The Commission on Human Relations is the official Civil Rights enforcement agency for the City of Pittsburgh. The Commission is empowered by Chapters 651-659 of the Pittsburgh City Code to investigate instances of discrimination, conduct outreach and provide education to the community, conduct research, and recommend additional protections in the City Code to provide all people in Pittsburgh with equal opportunities. The Commission’s mission is to decrease unfair treatment and discrimination by promoting knowledge, justice and understanding among communities in the City of Pittsburgh.

Departmental/Bureau Overview

The Commission receives and investigates complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations within the jurisdiction of the city. The Commission also provides outreach and education services regarding rights and responsibilities under the Fair Practices Ordinances of the City Code. These functions are performed within the following program areas: Unlawful Practices Administration and Enforcement - As provided in the City Code, the Commission’s mandate is to receive, investigate, and adjudicate complaints of discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. This office is also charged with the responsibility for the receipt, investigation, and adjudication of complaints alleging civil rights violations by City employees and representatives in the exercise of their duties. The Commission is charged with seeking the satisfactory resolution or adjustment of all complaints through negotiation, mediation, and conciliation. Should resolution of a complaint not be possible through these means, the Commission may also hold public hearings which result in orders enforceable in court. Inter-Group/Police Community Relations - The Commission studies, investigates, holds public hearings, and conciliates issues in the community that adversely affect inter-group relations, negatively impact the livability of city neighborhoods, and lead to civil unrest.

Education and Outreach - The Commission provides information on the laws it enforces and its work through the use of a wide variety of tools, such as presentations and programs specifically targeted to reach the particular needs of all segments of the population, including the City workforce. These services complement the Commission’s work in the area of enforcement and serve to reduce prejudice, enhance inter-group relations, increase understanding of our need for unity, and bring about a greater level of awareness and compliance with the law. The Commission also works to further the City’s commitment to human rights.

2026 Accomplishments

• Hosted third annual Employment Discrimination: The Administrative Process continuing legal education course for local attorneys.
• Opened 122 unique discrimination cases in 2026. Of those, 47 cases were transferred from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a part of a work sharing agreement.
• One-fifth of the cases closed by the Commission resulted in remedy for the complainants via settlement agreements. A total of $1,244,728 was received by complainants.
• Partnered with the Community Justice Project and Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh to conduct a continuing legal education course on service and emotional support animals.
• Successfully relaunched monthly newsletters and improved attendance at public meetings.

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS 2027 Expenditures by Subclass 56 - SUPPLIES 55 - OTHER SERVICES 53 - PROF. & TECHNICAL SERVICES