Non-Discrimination Policy
The purpose of this Non-Discrimination Policy is intended to provide procedural guidance to the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) to ensure the prompt, effective, and efficient resolution of civil rights grievances consistent with the applicable civil rights laws. This policy is intended to provide an informal resolution process for discrete instances of alleged discrimination based on a list of given classes.
I. Notice of URA's Non-Discrimination Policy Under Title VI
Public notice of URA’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (“Policy”) shall be prominently posted in the lobby of the URA’s offices as well as available in print and online on URA’s website.
URA’s Policy is stated below:
The URA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), disability, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), age, or religion in the administration of its programs and activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. URA is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Part 5 and part 7 (Nondiscrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”), and Title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). If you have any questions about this notice or any of URA’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:
Alexander Thomas, Esq.
Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator
412 Boulevard of the Allies
Suite 901
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-255-6600
Email: athomas@ura.org
Upon request, the URA will ensure the Non-Discrimination Notice will be available to individuals who require interpreting services such as individuals with Limited English Proficiency or those who require Sign Language Services. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), URA will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. The URA will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in URA programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.
II. Notice of URA's Anti-Discrimination Policy Under Title VI
URA shall appoint an employee to act as the coordinator for all Title VI complaints. At no point shall this position be empty or lapsed. The duties of the Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will be as follows, and may be amended as needed:
- Ensures information regarding URA’s Non-Discrimination Policy is available internally and externally
- Ensures that the Policy is publicly available on URA’s website and in associated brochures and written materials
- Ensures that policies and procedures for the receipt and processing of complaints under the Policy are maintained and followed
- Ensures that complaints received are appropriately tracked and reviewed
- Ensure that records and investigative files for complaints received are maintained for a minimum of three (3) years
- Trains URA staff on URA’s Policy in cooperation with the URA Solicitor
- Provides, in consultation with the URA Solicitor, written updates to complainants on the progress of investigations
- Annual review of grievance procedures (for both in-print and online materials), and revision as necessary, to ensure prompt and fair resolution of discrimination complaints
III. How to Submit a Complaint
Individuals may submit a complaint of discrimination regarding URA services, programs, and activities by completing and submitting the URA Non-Discrimination Complaint Form.
The URA should be sent to URA’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator by email or postal mail as shown below.
For questions on how to file a complaint, please contact URA’s Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator:
Alexander Thomas, Esq.
Non-Discrimination Policy Coordinator
412 Boulevard of the Allies
Suite 901
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-255-6600
Email: athomas@ura.org
The role of the non-discrimination coordinator is to provide the coordination and oversight of the discrimination complaints submitted by the public against URA, and administration of these grievance procedures related to federal non-discrimination laws.