Subchapter IV. Commission on Latino Community Development.

§ 2–1321. Established.

There is hereby established a Commission on Latino Community Development to advise the Mayor, the Director of the Office on Latino Affairs, the Council, and the public concerning the views and needs of the Latino community in the District of Columbia.

§ 2–1322. Composition.

The Commission shall consist of 15 public (voting) members appointed by the Mayor. There shall also be the following ex-officio nonvoting members: The Directors of the Department of Human Services, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Recreation, Department of Transportation, Department of Manpower, the librarian of the District of Columbia Public Library, the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Director of the Department of Licenses, Investigation and Inspections.

(Sept. 29, 1976, D.C. Law 1-86, title IV, § 402, 23 DCR 2543; June 12, 1999, D.C. Law 12-285, § 4(j), 46 DCR 1355.)

Prior Codifications

1981 Ed., § 1-2322.

1973 Ed., § 6-1922.

Emergency Legislation

For temporary amendment of section, see § 4(j) of the Confirmation Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-25, March 15, 1999, 46 DCR 2971).

For temporary (90-day) amendment of section, see § 4(j) of the Confirmation Act Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-92, June 4, 1999, 46 DCR 5330).

Transfer of Functions

The functions of the Department of Transportation were transferred to the Department of Public Works by Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1983, effective March 1, 1984.

The functions of the Department of Licenses, Investigations, and Inspections were transferred to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1983, effective March 31, 1983.

References in Text

Pursuant to Mayor’s Order 2000-20, the agency formerly known as the “Department of Recreation and Parks” shall be known as the “Department of Parks and Recreation.”

§ 2–1323. Qualifications for membership.

Members shall be appointed with due consideration for representation from established public, nonprofit, and voluntary community organizations and agencies concerned with the Latino community and members of the general public who have given evidence of particular dedication to, and knowledge of, the needs of the Latino community. The membership of the Commission shall have at least 2 resident aliens.

§ 2–1324. Term of office.

Members of the Commission shall serve terms of 3 years except that, of the initial membership, 5 shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, 5 for a term of 2 years, and 5 for 1 year. Members may be reappointed but may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms. A member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed.

§ 2–1325. Appointments to vacancies.

When a vacancy develops on the Commission, the Mayor shall appoint a successor, with the advice and consent of the Council, to complete the unexpired term.

§ 2–1326. Rules of procedure.

The Commission shall develop its own rules of procedure, except they shall provide the Commission shall meet at least every other month. The meetings shall be held in those areas of the District of Columbia with the largest concentration of Latino residents. All meetings shall be open to the public. A quorum to transact business shall consist of a majority plus 1 of the voting members.

§ 2–1327. Election of Chairperson.

The Commission shall elect its own Chairperson.

§ 2–1328. Compensation.

All members shall serve without compensation, but expenses incurred by the Commission as a whole, or by its individual members, when duly authorized by the Chairperson, will become an obligation against appropriated District of Columbia and federal funds designated for that purpose.

§ 2–1329. Staff assistance.

The Commission shall have 1 paid staff person. In addition, the Director of the Office on Latino Affairs shall provide information and technical assistance as required under § 2-1313.

§ 2–1330. Functions.

(a) The Commission shall:

(1) Serve as an advocate for Latino persons in the District of Columbia;

(2) Review and submit to the Mayor, the Council, the Office on Latino Affairs, and the community an annual report including analysis of the needs of the Latino community in the District of Columbia;

(3) Cooperate with other agencies (federal, state, private) concerned with activities pertaining to the Latino community;

(4) Develop a list of at least 3 persons the Commission recommends for the position of Director of the Office on Latino Affairs and submit that list to the Mayor;

(5) Conduct or participate in public hearings and other forums to determine views of the Latino community and other members of the public on matters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Latino community in the District of Columbia;

(6) Bring to the attention of the Mayor and the Office on Latino Affairs cases of neglect, abuse, and incidents of bias against the Latino community in the administration of the laws of the District of Columbia;

(7) Review and comment on proposed District and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and programs and make policy recommendations on issues affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Latino community; and

(8) Develop policy and provide continuing review of the planning undertaken by the Office.

(b) The Commission is authorized to make any reasonable request for information necessary to aid the Commission in the discharge of its responsibilities.