Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will fulfill its mission and purpose of aiding and advising the City Council in ensuring equal opportunity in the areas of human rights protected by law for all community members in the city of Bloomington. We will do this by identifying work plan goals, along with broader human rights issues, that align with the overall strategic plan of the City of Bloomington. The HRC will work to align the Commission's work plan with the goals and strategies of the Bloomington Tomorrow Together Strategic Plan (BTT) and work to ensure accountability to the Core Values of the plan. The HRC will work to ensure that the City Council’s strategic plan does not have adverse effects on the human rights of Bloomington community members. The HRC will partner with other city commissions to ensure our work has the broadest impact. Success or failure of the HRC’s work plan goals will be measured against the mission, core values, and strategic objectives of the BTT.

Thomas Burns
Term expires: 02/28/27

Althea Forstner Youth Commissioner
Term expires: 08/31/25

Ngawang Gonsar
Term expires: 02/29/28

Heather Kaminsen Vice Chair
Term expires: 02/28/26

Gracie Lebak Youth Commissioner
Term expires: 08/31/25

Baron Lewis
Term expires: 02/28/26

Julia Perry
Term expires: 02/29/28

Anita Smithson Chair
Term expires: 02/28/26

Jessica Thornton
Term expires: 02/28/27

Meetings and Agenda Packets

The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Bloomington Civic Plaza, Haeg Conference Room, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. Check the event's calendar entry for conference room details and locations.

Please be advised that the HRC meeting originally scheduled for April 15 has been rescheduled to April 22.

Eric Holthaus, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager
952-563-4950

The City’s Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison also acts as the City’s LGBTQ+ liaison and serves as an accessible source to the city’s LGBTQ community.  The liaison can elevates LGBTQ+ related concerns to the city manager and other city officials as needed.

The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTA+ equality. 

The Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award is presented by the Human Rights Commission to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to ensuring the rights of people in Bloomington.  

The 2024 nomination process is now closed. Please visit Omar Bonderud Award site for more details on past recipients.