Chapter 2.36 of the Auburn City Code (ACC) creates the Human Services Committee. Two important passages within Chapter 2.36 that lay the foundation for the purpose and role of the Committee are as follows:

 

ACC 2.36.010 – “There is created the human services committee which is established to review the social needs of the city that should be considered when appropriating federal revenue sharing funds and general funds, and also to serve as a committee to advise the mayor and the council on allocation and application for grant funds to be used for community development projects.”

 

ACC 2.36.020 – “The human services committee should assist and advise elected officials of the city in identifying the local social service needs and recommending priorities to meet those needs including but not restricted to proposing programs, reviewing and evaluating existing programs, encouraging citizen participation, and performing other assignments referred to the committee by the mayor or council as deemed appropriate.

To achieve the above objectives, the Committee and staff work together to gather data, identify community needs, evaluate grant applications, and develop policy. The Human Services Committee does not have decision making authority; the Committee makes recommendations for consideration by City Council.

The joint meeting offers an opportunity for both bodies to have a more casual conversation about city needs and objectives as well as ways to enhance the overall delivery of human services in Auburn. Discussion topics include: