The Human Relations Commission had as its goals to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and private clubs; to promote better human relations among the various cultures/ethnicities present in the city; and to bring the municipal government into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Commission and its staff investigated and adjudicated complaints of discrimination; conducted studies and recommended changes to existing discrimination laws; educated the public on effective methods of communication/human relations regarding cultural differences. They also removed barriers for persons with disabilities and monitored activities resulting from a comprehensive transition plan designed to bring the government into compliance with ADA regulations. The Commission and its staff measured its performance by the number of complaints successfully adjudicated; the decrease in community divisiveness regarding age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and culture; the number of physical barriers removed; the increase in programs and services provided to persons with disabilities; and the number of individuals with disabilities who are mainstreamed into employment and public activities.