Human Rights Commission

Highlights of the 2024 Work Plan Initiatives:

• Housing
  • Visit https://blm.mn/justdeeds to watch the panelist discussion at the 2024 Just Deeds & Beyond Event!
• Youth
  • Know Your Rights Symposium coming this fall!

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.

Mollie Bousu
Term expires: 02/28/26

Thomas Burns
Term expires: 02/28/27

Bennett Childs Youth Commissioner
Term expires: 08/31/24

Hussein Dahir
Term expires: 02/28/27

Heather Kaminsen
Term expires: 02/28/26

Carol McDonald 
Term expires: 02/28/25

Anita Smithson Chair
Term expires: 02/28/26

Aaliyah Upshaw Youth Commissioner
Term expires: 08/31/24

Stephanie Wiersma Vice Chair
Term expires: 02/28/25

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.

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.