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NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION#

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado (the "City") gives public notice that it is committed to assuring full compliance with, and is prohibited by law from violating, all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. These laws include but are not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI"), the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act (the "Fair Housing Act"), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended. The City of Fort Collins does not, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, religion or familial status, discriminate against persons in the provision of its programs, services or activities.

Accessibility Statement#

The City of Fort Collins is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all community members. Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make technology accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability. Our efforts are just part of a meaningful change in making all City of Fort Collins services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve our technology’s accessibility for users with disabilities and for requests for accommodations to any State of Colorado services.

Visit the Accessibility page on FCGov.

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER#

Creating a culture of equity and inclusion is a priority for the City of Fort Collins. Our community is made better by the multitude of perspectives, skills and backgrounds that create it. While the City is required to comply with certain laws around access, civil rights and non-discrimination, that is not the only reason we do this work.

Every member of our community should have access to the City services, resources and programs they help make possible. We believe that we are better together, and that community belongs to all of us.

The City’s mission is to provide exceptional service for an exceptional community. To achieve this, we are identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion and commit to eliminating disparities while fostering a thriving community.

Kelly DiMartino
City of Fort Collins City Manager

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Our accessibility and equity-driven efforts are guided by our Values: Partnership, Safety and Wellbeing, Integrity, Service, Sustainability and Belonging. These values are demonstrated in every aspect of the City’s operations, from everyday services to long-term planning efforts. Visit our Equity and Inclusion Office home page to learn more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility efforts. 

Read about our Mission, Vision and Values

LEGAL PROTECTIONS#

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964#

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination based on their race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado is committed to assuring full compliance, and is prohibited by law from violating all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. For a list of relevant laws, visit fcgov.com/legal/non-discrimination.

The City of Fort Collins does not, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, religion or familial status, discriminate against persons in the provision of its programs, services or activities.

Some common examples of conduct that may be a violation of these civil rights laws: A person is denied participation in a service, a person is provided a different service or benefit, and/or a person is denied the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning or advisory board or commission based on any of the protected classes listed above.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504#

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA’) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the City will not discriminate against a person with a disability on the basis of disability or in the administration of its services, programs, or activities.

The City, upon request, will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so a person with a disability can participate equally in the City’s programs, services, and activities, including but not limited to:

  • Qualified sign language interpreters
  • Documents in Braille
  • Qualified speech-to-speech transliterator

The City will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all programs, services, and activities in alignment with ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

An accommodation is a reasonable modification or adjustment that enables a qualified person with a disability to enjoy the same access to services, activities and programs that are enjoyed by persons without disabilities. Please complete and submit this form to request an accommodation.  

Please note that neither the ADA nor Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City, should call 970.416.4254 and ask to speak to the City's ADA Coordinator no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event to ensure availability of services. V/TDD: Dial 711 for Relay Colorado

Further Assistance

For additional help with ADA resources, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 970.416.4254 or send a request via email to adacoordinator@fcgov.com.

Language Access and Resources#

Interpretation and Translation

The City provides language access services at no charge to persons who have limited ability to read, write or speak English and wish to use services, programs or activities offered by the City. These services include:

  • An interpretation and translation service that offers telephonic services in over 200 languages. It usually takes less than 10 seconds to connect to an interpreter. You do not need to know English to call or to identify your language.
  • Interpretation at public meetings.
  • Translation of documents or portions of documents.

Request Assistance

For assistance with language access, you may call the remote interpreting services at 202-816-7706. You will be directed to enter pin number: 7112080. Please select the language you are requesting, and you will be connected directly to an interpreter.  

Learn More About Language Access

Fair Housing Act#

The Fair Housing Act is a subsection of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. As amended, the act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. For more information on fair housing and to learn how to file a complaint, visit the link below.

Visit the City of Fort Collins Fair Housing Information Page

Service Animals#

People with disabilities using service animals are permitted in City offices, even where pets are generally prohibited. Businesses and public entities are only legally allowed to ask two questions to inquire about a service animal:

  1.  Is this a service animal?
  2. What task has the animal been trained to perform?

Visit the ADA.gov Service Animal Page

General Discrimination#

The Colorado Civil Rights Division works to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation under Colorado Civil Rights Laws. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a non-City entity or person, contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division This link opens in a new browser tab.

Visit the Colorado Civil Rights Division website

Respectful Workplace Policy#

Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace are against the law and will not be tolerated. The Mayor and City Council are committed to providing an environment that exemplifies the highest standards of ethical behavior, treats others with dignity and respect and is known for its honesty, inclusivity and transparency. The Respectful Workplace Policy (2019) embodies the City Council’s commitment to prevent and address discrimination; harassment, including sexual harassment; and retaliation. 

View the City of Fort Collins Respectful Workplace Policy

FILING A COMPLAINT#

Any person who believes they have been discriminated against in City programs, services, or activities in violation of the Title VI, ADA or other protections can file a formal complaint or request for reasonable accommodation. Complaints must be submitted within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination. 

Please complete the appropriate form below and send via email to adacoordinator@fcgov.com, or print and mail the completed form and send to City of Fort Collins, attn: Title VI Coordinator, 300 Laporte Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins 80521.

Title VI Complaints

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504

Request for Reasonable Accommodation

An accommodation is a reasonable modification or adjustment that enables a qualified person with a disability to enjoy the same access to services, activities and programs that are enjoyed by persons without disabilities. .

If accommodations are needed for an event, please allow four (4) business days prior to the event to process your request and arrange the accommodation, if approved. If you require additional space to provide your information, please attach additional sheets to this form, identifying the paragraph(s) being answered.

If you require assistance filing a complaint including sign language, documents in Braille, or other accessibility services, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fcgov.com or by calling 970-416-4254 during office hours (Mon – Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) 

Have questions? Contact us!

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Complaint Process Regarding a City of Fort Collins Facility, Service, Program, or Activity.

This Complaint Process is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of facilities, services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City of Fort Collins (the “City”).  The City’s Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.   

A complaint regarding the provision of facilities, services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.

The complaint must be submitted by the Complainant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after the alleged violation to:  

ADA Coordinator
City Manager’s Office
300 Laporte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80522

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the City’s ADA Coordinator or his designee will meet with the Complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the meeting, the City’s ADA Coordinator or his designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the Complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of the City of Fort Collins and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint. 

If the response by the City’s ADA Coordinator or his designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the Complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the response to the City Manager or his designee. 

Within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the City Manager will designate a third party (not a City employee) to act as appeal officer (the “Appeal Officer”). The Appeal Officer shall attempt to meet with the Complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolution. The Appeal Officer will be an attorney or someone who is well-versed in disability law, rules, and regulations. Within thirty (30) calendar days after the meeting, the City Manager or their designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the Complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint. 

The City’s ADA Coordinator or his designee and the City Manager or their designee may extend the deadlines noted herein for cause and with notification to the Complainant. All written complaints received by the City’s ADA Coordinator or their designee, appeals to the City Manager or their designee, and responses from these two offices will be retained by the City of Fort Collins for at least three years. 

For more information about filing a complaint that a non-City entity has discriminated on the basis of disability, please visit the Colorado Civil Rights Division website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS#

The City’s Title VI Coordinator position is administrative in nature. The role of the Title VI Coordinator is to assist people in understanding the City’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures in relation to compliance with Title VI. The Title VI Coordinator is an impartial administrator who neither advocates for nor is an adversary to a person who wants to or has filed a Title VI complaint. The Title VI Coordinator’s responsibility is to ensure the proper administration of the Title VI complaint process. 

If a person believes they have been discriminated against in violation of Title VI, they have the right to file a complaint with an external entity such as the federal agency providing federal assistance to the City related to the program, service or activity of concern or with the United States Department of Justice. 

For more information about filing a Title VI complaint, visit the U.S. Department of Justice website at the link below or contact the U.S. Department of Justice by telephone at (888) 848-5306 for English and Spanish (ingles y espanol) or (202) 307-2678 (TDD).  

Questions regarding the complaint process should be directed to the City's ADA Coordinator City’s via email adacoordinator@fcgov.com or by calling 970-416-4254 during office hours (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) 

Visit the U.S. Department of Justice website

The submitted form goes directly to the City’s Title VI and ADA Coordinator. A copy is sent to the email address provided on the complaint form, along with detailed information about how the complaint will be processed.

What to expect:

  • Within 15 days of receiving the written complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will notify the Complainant of its receipt.  
  • The Title VI Coordinator will attempt to discuss the complaint with the Complainant and any City staff members or others who are concerned with the complaint and will attempt to resolve the complaint informally.  
  • If the Title VI Coordinator determines further investigation is warranted, they shall mail to the Complainant a notice of continuing investigation (“NCI”) within fifteen (15) days of receiving the completed Complaint Form. 
  • If appropriate, the Title VI Coordinator may also arrange to meet with the Complainant to discuss the matter and possible resolution. 
  • If the matter is not resolved informally, the Title VI Coordinator shall respond with their final response, in writing, within thirty (30) calendar days after the NCI is sent to the Complainant.  

If the Complainant feels the Title VI / ADA Coordinator's final response does not satisfactorily resolve the matter, the Complainant or authorized representative may appeal the decision in writing, to: 

City of Fort Collins 
City Manager’s Office 
300 Laport Ave, Building A
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521

The complainant shall file their appeal, including a detailed description of its basis, no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of the Title VI Coordinator’s final response.  

Within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the City Manager will designate a third party (not a City employee) to act as appeal officer (the “Appeal Officer”). Next steps are as follows:

  • The Appeal Officer shall attempt to meet with the Complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions.  
  • The Appeal Officer will be an attorney or someone who is well-versed in Title VI law, rules and regulations. Within twenty (20) days calendar days after the filing of the appeal, the Appeal Officer shall respond, with a final resolution of the complaint. 
  • At that point, the complainant may investigate their options for further action, including but not limited to those described in subsection 3 above.
  • The Title VI Coordinator, the City Manager or their designee and the Appeal Officer may extend the deadlines noted herein for cause and with notification to the complainant.  

The City’s Title VI Coordinator will maintain the following materials for a period of three (3) years: (1) written complaints received by the Title VI Coordinator; (3) final response of the Title VI Coordinator; (3) final resolutions by the Appeals Officer.  

Upon request and at no cost, these documents will also be made available in alternative languages or formats by contacting the City’s Title VI Coordinator at titlesix@fcgov.com or by calling 970-416-4254..