Ames/Story Fair Housing Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, April is National Fair Housing Month. This year, we commemorate the 58th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. During this time, we want to celebrate the Fair Housing Act and recommit ourselves to ensuring every American has access to housing that is free from discrimination.

WHEREAS, this year’s Fair Housing Month theme for Ames/Story County is “Fair for All,” which reflects the commitment to advancing equity in housing and the importance of increasing public awareness of everyone’s right to fair housing.

WHEREAS, the City of Ames additionally prohibits discrimination in the areas of housing, education, employment, public accommodations or services, credit, sexual orientation, developmental disability, physical disability, gender, and gender identity and

WHEREAS, equality of opportunity for all is a fundamental policy of this nation, state, county, and city; and that fair housing is a positive community good; and

WHEREAS, only with the cooperation, commitment, and support from HUD, the City, Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC), the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS, area housing providers, and all of the residents of Ames and Story can barriers to the enjoyment of this and the other aspects of equality of opportunity for all be removed,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, John A. Haila, Mayor, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as “FAIR HOUSING MONTH” and establish Ames/Story County as a welcoming community committed to fair housing and encourage all citizens of our community to support and endorse Fair Housing, reaffirm their commitment to Fair Housing for all, and wholeheartedly recognize these rights and responsibilities throughout the year.

DATED this 14th day of April 2026.